IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test
About IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Myoglobin IHC, IHC Myoglobin Marker, Immunohistochemistry Myoglobin Stain |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all ages (commonly ordered for patients with suspected soft tissue tumours) |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test?
The IHC marker - Myoglobin test is a specialised laboratory test that uses immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect myoglobin protein in tissue samples. Myoglobin is a protein found in skeletal muscle cells, and its presence or absence in a tissue sample helps pathologists identify whether a tumour has originated from skeletal muscle. The test is performed on a tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgery, also known as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block. It may also be referred to as the Myoglobin IHC or IHC Myoglobin Marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test Measure?
This test detects myoglobin protein within tissue cells using antibody-based staining. The result guides pathologists in determining the origin and nature of a tumour.
| Component | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Myoglobin protein expression | Whether skeletal muscle differentiation is present in the tissue |
| Staining pattern | Cytoplasmic (within the cell body) dark brown staining indicates a positive result |
| Result type | Qualitative: reported as Positive or Negative |
Myoglobin is found almost exclusively in striated (skeletal) muscle. Its detection in a tissue sample is a strong indicator of skeletal muscle origin.
Why is an IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test Done?
A pathologist or oncologist may order this test when examining tissue from a suspicious mass or tumour. It is one part of a broader diagnostic process.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a biopsy and subsequent IHC Myoglobin Marker testing:
- A painless lump or mass under the skin
- Swelling in the arms, legs, or abdomen
- An unexplained growth in soft tissues
- Breathing difficulty caused by a mass in the chest area
- Urinary problems related to an abdominal or pelvic mass
- An abdominal mass was detected during imaging
- Severe Muscle Pain & Stiffness
- Tea-colored, red, or dark brown urine
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
Pathologists use this test to support the diagnosis of the following conditions:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer arising from skeletal muscle cells
- Rhabdomyoma, a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of skeletal muscle
- Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma, a type more commonly seen in adults
- Soft tissue tumours of uncertain origin requiring skeletal muscle differentiation assessment
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on a tissue block that has already been collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. There is minimal preparation required from the patient.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You may eat and drink normally before and after submitting the sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few points to keep in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Carry a valid prescription from your treating doctor
- Inform your doctor about any medications, allergies, or underlying medical conditions
- Ensure the FFPE tissue block or biopsy slides are brought as directed by your physician
- Confirm with the diagnostic centre how the block should be transported and stored before submission
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - Myoglobin test procedure involves several laboratory steps carried out after tissue collection:
- During a biopsy or surgery, small pieces of tissue are removed from the suspected mass by the treating surgeon or interventional specialist.
- The tissue is immediately placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin to preserve its structure. Fixation typically takes 12 to 24 hours.
- The fixed tissue is then embedded in paraffin wax to form the FFPE block. Thin slices are cut from this block and placed onto glass slides.
- Specific antibodies targeting myoglobin are applied to the tissue sections. These antibodies bind to the myoglobin protein if it is present in the cells.
- A staining reaction is performed. Areas where myoglobin is detected show dark brown cytoplasmic staining under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and prepares a report based on the staining pattern and clinical information provided.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Poor fixation of the tissue sample (too short or too long in formalin)
- Suboptimal processing or storage of the paraffin block
- Background staining caused by antibody cross-reactivity
- Poorly differentiated tumours, which may show negative staining even when skeletal muscle origin is present
- The expertise and experience of the reporting pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test Results
Results from this test are reported as positive or negative and must always be interpreted by a qualified pathologist alongside other clinical findings, histological examination, and additional IHC markers.
| Result | Finding | Possible Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Cytoplasmic staining was detected in tumour cells | Supports skeletal muscle differentiation and may be seen in tumours such as Rhabdomyosarcoma or rhabdomyoma |
| Negative | No myoglobin staining detected | Does not support skeletal muscle differentiation; may be seen in other soft tissue tumours or in some poorly differentiated rhabdomyosarcomas |
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
Poorly differentiated tumours, including most cases of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, often test negative for myoglobin despite being of skeletal muscle origin. In such cases, additional markers such as myogenin and MyoD1 are typically used alongside this test to improve diagnostic accuracy. Background staining issues with certain antibodies may also complicate interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a diagnostic test rather than a routine health check, there are no specific "healthy levels" to maintain. However, the following general steps are helpful:
- Seek medical attention promptly if you notice an unexplained lump or swelling
- Follow your doctor's recommended health check-up schedule
- Share complete medical records with your specialist to support an accurate diagnosis
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test Price
The IHC marker - Myoglobin test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available as it requires submission of a tissue block or biopsy slides.
| 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
Booking your IHC marker - Myoglobin test online is straightforward. Here is how:
- 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 biopsy slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps pathologists determine whether a tumour has originated from skeletal muscle tissue. It is commonly used in the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and rhabdomyoma. A positive result supports skeletal muscle origin, while a negative result may indicate a different type of tumour.
The sample is obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by your treating doctor. The tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to form an FFPE block. You do not need a separate blood draw or any additional procedure for this test.
No fasting or dietary changes are required. You simply need to bring the FFPE tissue block or biopsy slides as instructed by your doctor, along with your clinical history and a valid prescription.
Myoglobin is specific to skeletal muscle but may not detect poorly differentiated tumours reliably. Your doctor may order a panel that includes markers such as desmin, myogenin, and MyoD1 to reach a more accurate and complete diagnosis.
A positive result means myoglobin protein was found in the tissue, pointing to skeletal muscle differentiation. This supports a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma or rhabdomyoma. However, the final diagnosis is always made by correlating this result with the histological appearance of the tissue and overall clinical findings.
Yes, it can. Poorly differentiated tumours, particularly alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, often test negative for myoglobin even though they are of skeletal muscle origin. This is why additional markers are frequently used to confirm the diagnosis.
The IHC marker - Myoglobin test report is typically delivered within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on laboratory workload and the complexity of the case.
IHC Marker - Myoglobin Test
