IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MUM-1 IHC, IRF4 Immunostain, Multiple Myeloma Oncogene 1, Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No—the test is performed on a tissue sample already collected via biopsy |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders; ordered when lymphoma or plasma cell neoplasms are suspected, and as part of broader panels in selected solid tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test?
The IHC marker-Mum-1 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of the MUM-1 protein in tissue samples. MUM-1, also known as IRF4 or Interferon Regulatory Factor 4, is a protein found in certain immune cells and cancer cells. The test is performed using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which uses antibodies to identify specific proteins within tissue. Also called the IRF4 Immunostain test, it is performed on a tissue block collected during a biopsy and does not require a fresh blood draw.
What Does an IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test Measure?
The IHC marker-MUM-1 test identifies the presence and distribution of the MUM-1/IRF4 protein within tissue cells. This protein is a transcription factor, meaning it controls the activity of certain genes. The table below explains the key elements this test analyses:
| Component | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| MUM-1/IRF4 protein expression | Whether the protein is present in tumour cell nuclei |
| Staining pattern | Which cells are positive and how many (expressed as a percentage) |
| Distribution | Whether staining is focal (patchy) or widespread across the sample |
Why Is an IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test Done?
Doctors order this test when they need to identify or classify certain cancers from biopsy tissue. It plays an important role in guiding further treatment decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request an IHC marker-MUM-1 test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained or persistent swelling of the lymph nodes
- Ongoing fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Bone pain
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Skin lesions or unusual skin masses
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps in the immunohistochemical classification and diagnostic support of the following conditions:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), particularly the non-germinal centre B-cell subtype
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma, where MUM-1 expression is commonly seen in Reed–Sternberg cells
- Multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma (tumours of plasma cells)
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (a slow-growing B-cell lymphoma)
- Malignant melanoma (MUM-1 may show variable expression but is not a primary diagnostic marker and is used only as part of broader immunohistochemical panels)
- High-grade follicular lymphoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since the IHC marker-MUM-1 test procedure is performed on a tissue block already collected from a biopsy, there is very little you need to do to prepare for the test itself.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The laboratory analysis is done on a tissue sample obtained during a prior biopsy. However, if you have not yet had your biopsy, your doctor will give you specific instructions for that procedure, and some biopsy procedures may require fasting if sedation is involved.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind when submitting your sample or attending a biopsy appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about any blood-thinning medications you take, as these can increase bleeding risk during a biopsy.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies, bleeding disorders, or whether you are pregnant, as these may affect the biopsy procedure.
- Ensure the tissue sample is submitted to the laboratory in its original FFPE block as directed by your treating doctor.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tissue sample is collected, processed, and analysed for IHC marker-MUM-1 test.
- A tissue sample is collected by a doctor through a biopsy procedure, using local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.
- The collected tissue is fixed using formalin to preserve its structure, then embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block (FFPE block).
- A laboratory technician cuts very thin sections (approximately 4 micrometres) from the block and mounts them on glass slides.
- The slides are treated with specific antibodies that bind to the MUM-1 protein if it is present in the tissue cells.
- A staining agent is applied to make the antibody-protein binding visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, notes the distribution and intensity of staining, and prepares a report for the treating doctor.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Quality of the original biopsy tissue (tissue that is too small or poorly preserved may give inconclusive results)
- Quality of tissue fixation and how quickly the sample was preserved after collection
- Proper antigen retrieval technique (a laboratory step that makes the target protein accessible to antibodies)
- The specific antibody used and its concentration
- Standardisation of the staining protocol across the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker-MUM-1 test are interpreted by a pathologist and should always be reviewed alongside other clinical findings, additional IHC markers, and the patient's overall medical history.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | MUM-1 protein expression detected—may indicate DLBCL non-GCB subtype, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, or plasma cell neoplasms such as multiple myeloma |
| Negative | No significant MUM-1 expression—in DLBCL, may suggest the germinal centre B-cell (GCB) subtype, which generally carries a more favourable outlook |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is used in the diagnosis of serious conditions rather than routine monitoring, the following general tips support overall immune health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support immune function.
- Get adequate sleep and manage stress, as prolonged stress can affect immune health.
- Report any persistent or unexplained symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or skin changes to your doctor without delay.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test Price
The IHC marker-MUM-1 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of your FFPE tissue block through your treating physician; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 FFPE tissue block or arrange sample submission through your doctor.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-MUM-1 test is used to detect and help classify certain cancers in biopsy tissue. It is particularly useful in distinguishing between subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), identifying classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and supporting the diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms such as multiple myeloma when used alongside other markers. It is rarely used alone and is typically part of a panel of immunohistochemical markers.
Unlike a routine blood test, the IHC marker-MUM-1 test procedure is performed on tissue collected during a biopsy, not on blood or urine. Specialised antibodies are applied to thin slices of the tissue to detect a specific protein inside the cells. A pathologist then examines the results under a microscope.
The test itself is carried out entirely in a laboratory on tissue that has already been collected. Any discomfort is related to the biopsy procedure used to obtain the tissue sample, not the IHC analysis. Biopsy procedures are typically performed with local anaesthesia to reduce discomfort.
At Lupin Diagnostics, IHC marker-MUM-1 test reports are typically available within 7 days. This duration includes detailed tissue processing, immunohistochemical antibody staining, slide preparation, and careful microscopic review and interpretation by a qualified pathologist before final reporting.
No. MUM-1 is always used alongside other IHC markers and clinical findings. Its expression pattern appears across several different conditions, so a single marker result is not sufficient to confirm a diagnosis. Your oncologist or pathologist will review all findings together.
The IHC marker-Mum-1 test procedure involves microscopic interpretation by a pathologist, who needs the patient's clinical background to provide an accurate and contextually relevant report. Details such as the biopsy site, suspected diagnosis, prior treatments, and other test results all help guide the interpretation.
In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a negative MUM-1 result (when combined with positive CD10 or BCL6) typically points to the germinal centre B-cell (GCB) subtype. This subtype is generally associated with a better outlook compared to the non-GCB subtype. Your doctor will explain the full meaning based on all test findings together.
IHC Marker-Mum-1 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
