IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Mucin 5AC IHC, MUC5AC Immunostain, Mucin 5AC Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No—this test is performed on tissue samples, not blood |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any age or gender when tumour characterisation is required |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test?
The IHC marker-MUC5AC test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of a protein called Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in tissue samples. It uses a technique called immunohistochemistry, which applies specific antibodies to thin tissue slices to reveal whether MUC5AC is expressed. Doctors order this test to help characterise tumours and support a diagnosis when tissue has been collected via biopsy or surgery. It is also known as Mucin 5AC Immunostain or MUC5AC Immunohistochemistry.
What Does an IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test Measure?
This test identifies MUC5AC protein expression in tissue specimens. MUC5AC is a gel-forming secreted protein (mucin) normally produced by certain epithelial cells, including those lining the stomach and airways. Its presence or absence in tumour tissue provides diagnostically useful information.
The following aspects are assessed during the test:
| Parameter | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| MUC5AC Expression | Whether the protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) |
| Staining Pattern | Where the protein is located in the cell (apical, cytoplasmic, or membranous) |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the protein is expressed (weak, moderate, or strong) |
IHC tests do not produce numerical values. A qualified pathologist reads and interprets the staining pattern in the context of the patient's clinical history.
Why is an IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test Done?
Doctors request this test to help identify the origin and type of a tumour. It provides important information that guides further treatment decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the IHC marker-MUC5AC test after a biopsy when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Unexplained abdominal pain or persistent digestive discomfort
- Unintended weight loss without a clear cause
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
- A pelvic or abdominal mass detected on imaging
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test is used to help identify or differentiate between several conditions. These include:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, where MUC5AC expression is commonly observed, while it is typically absent in normal pancreatic tissue
- Ovarian mucinous and endometrioid carcinomas
- Distinguishing primary ovarian tumours from metastatic colorectal cancer, as each has a distinct mucin expression pattern
- Subtyping intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), a type of pancreatic cystic tumour
- Oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since the IHC marker-MUC5AC test procedure is performed on tissue rather than blood, preparation differs from routine lab tests. If a suitable tissue sample is not already available, a biopsy or surgical procedure may be required to obtain it before testing.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC test itself. However, if a biopsy is planned, your doctor may provide specific instructions, including temporary fasting or medication adjustments.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when arranging to submit your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- If a biopsy is needed, discuss the procedure, risks, and preparation steps with your doctor beforehand.
- Carry your doctor’s prescription specifying the MUC5AC marker, along with the original histopathology and imaging reports (CT, MRI, etc.).
- Verify with the laboratory that the paraffin block is well-preserved, properly labelled, and sufficient for additional testing.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Tissue collection: A biopsy or surgical specimen is collected by your doctor at a hospital or clinic. The method (local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia) depends on the location of the tissue.
- Tissue preparation: The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to preserve its structure. This forms the FFPE block submitted to the laboratory.
- Sectioning: Laboratory technicians cut extremely thin slices (around 4 to 5 microns) from the block and place them on glass slides.
- Antigen retrieval: Heat or enzymatic treatment is applied to expose proteins that may have been masked during the fixation process.
- Antibody application: Specific antibodies that bind to the MUC5AC protein are applied to the tissue slice. A secondary detection system makes the binding sites visible under a microscope.
- Pathologist review: A qualified pathologist examines the stained slide and interprets the pattern, location, and strength of staining in the context of your clinical history.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the quality of the test result:
- Poor tissue fixation or delayed processing after sample collection
- An inadequate or very small tissue sample
- Improper handling or storage of the tissue block
- Antibody quality and the specificity of the detection method used
Understanding Your IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test Results
Results from this test are reported as positive or negative, along with the staining pattern and intensity. A pathologist interprets these findings together with your clinical history and other test results.
| Parameter | Possible Finding | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| MUC5AC Expression | Positive | Suggests gastric-type mucin expression; commonly seen in pancreatic, mucinous ovarian, and certain gastrointestinal tumours |
| MUC5AC Expression | Negative | May suggest absence of gastric-type mucin expression and can help differentiate from tumours that typically express MUC5AC, when interpreted alongside other markers |
| Staining Pattern | Apical, cytoplasmic, or membranous | Helps classify tumour subtype |
| Staining Intensity | Weak, moderate, or strong | Reflects the degree of protein expression in the tumour |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can affect how results are interpreted.
Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy may alter protein expression levels in the tissue, making results harder to interpret. Extended delays between biopsy and fixation can affect protein structure and reduce the accuracy of staining. Prolonged storage of FFPE tissue blocks may also lead to a gradual loss of immunoreactivity over time.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test evaluates a diagnostic protein marker and is not influenced by lifestyle or daily habits. However, certain general healthcare practices remain important for timely diagnosis and appropriate medical care:
- Seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms, as early evaluation can support accurate diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your oncologist or gastroenterologist to ensure proper interpretation of test results and guidance on further management.
- Maintain regular health check-ups as recommended by your treating doctor to monitor your overall health and address any concerns early.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test Price
The IHC marker-MUC5AC test price starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available because it involves specialised tissue block processing.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your tissue block along with all required documents.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IHC marker-MUC5AC test used for?
The IHC marker-MUC5AC test is used to detect the presence of the MUC5AC protein in tumour tissue. It is particularly useful in supporting the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, where MUC5AC is expressed in over 60% of cases but is absent in normal tissue. It also helps differentiate primary ovarian tumours from metastatic colorectal cancer.
How is the sample collected for this test?
The tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy or surgical procedure. The sample is then fixed in formalin and embedded in a paraffin block. You bring this block, along with the original histopathology report and clinical details, to the Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing.
Can this test be done at home?
No. The IHC marker-MUC5AC test requires a tissue biopsy block that must be collected during a medical procedure. Home collection is not available for this test. The block is submitted directly at a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
How long does it take to get results?
The report is typically ready within 7 days at Lupin Diagnostics. Turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the overall workload of the laboratory.
What does a positive MUC5AC result mean?
A positive result means the MUC5AC protein is present in the tissue sample. This can be seen in several tumour types, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and mucinous ovarian carcinoma. Your doctor or pathologist will interpret this result alongside other clinical and imaging findings.
Is fasting required before the IHC marker-MUC5AC test?
No fasting is required for this test, as it is performed on a tissue sample rather than blood or urine. If a biopsy is needed, your doctor may advise temporary fasting or medication adjustments. Once the sample is ready, simply bring the paraffin-embedded tissue block along with the required medical documents to the diagnostic centre.
How does MUC5AC help tell apart ovarian and colorectal cancers?
Mucin expression patterns tend to be organ-specific. Primary mucinous ovarian tumours typically express MUC5AC, while metastatic colorectal tumours generally express MUC2 instead. This difference in expression helps pathologists distinguish between the two, which is important because the treatment approach differs significantly.
IHC Marker-MUC5AC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
