IHC Marker-Napsin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-Napsin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Napsin A immunostain, Napsin A IHC, NAPSA IHC, Napsin-A immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Individuals suspected of having lung adenocarcinoma, ovarian clear cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, or carcinoma of unknown primary origin |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-Napsin Test?
The IHC marker-Napsin test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of Napsin A protein in tumour tissue. It uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique where antibodies are applied to a tissue sample to reveal specific proteins. Doctors order this test when they need to identify the type or origin of a tumour. It is also known as Napsin A immunostain or Napsin A IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker-Napsin Test Measure?
The IHC marker-Napsin test analyses whether Napsin A protein is present in tumour cells. The following table summarises what the test assesses.
| Component | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| Napsin A protein expression | Whether the protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in tumour cells |
| Staining pattern | Granular staining in the cytoplasm (inner cell body) indicates a positive result |
| Staining intensity | Helps assess the degree of protein expression in the tumour |
Results are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative, and must always be interpreted by a trained pathologist alongside other clinical findings.
Why Is an IHC Marker-Napsin Test Done?
This test is used to classify tumours and determine their likely point of origin. It plays a key role in guiding cancer diagnosis when tumour type is unclear.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough that does not resolve
- Breathlessness or difficulty breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain
- Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Fatigue without a clear cause
- Abdominal or pelvic mass (relevant for ovarian or renal tumours)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker-Napsin test helps pathologists identify or differentiate the following conditions:
- Primary lung adenocarcinoma (a common type of lung cancer)
- Ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma
- Papillary renal cell carcinoma and selected renal epithelial tumours
- Distinguishing primary lung tumours from metastatic (spread) tumours in the lung
- Carcinoma of unknown primary site, to help trace tumour origin
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for IHC marker-Napsin test procedure depends on whether the tissue sample has already been collected or whether a biopsy still needs to be performed.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample, so dietary restrictions do not apply. Follow your doctor's specific pre-biopsy instructions carefully.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your biopsy or when submitting an existing tissue sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- If a new biopsy is needed, inform your doctor about all current medications, particularly blood thinners, as your doctor may advise stopping them before the procedure.
- Inform your doctor of any known allergies or medical conditions before undergoing tissue collection.
- If tissue has already been collected from a prior biopsy or surgery, ensure the paraffin-embedded block or preserved slides are available and correctly labelled.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your biopsy appointment.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the IHC marker-Napsin test procedure is carried out:
- A small tissue sample is collected from the affected area through a biopsy or surgical procedure, as directed by your doctor.
- The tissue is placed in formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block (known as an FFPE block).
- Very thin slices of the tissue block are cut and placed on glass slides in the laboratory.
- A specialised antibody that targets the Napsin A protein is applied to the tissue slice. A dye is then added, which changes colour if the antibody has found its target.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, noting whether Napsin A staining is present, where it appears, and how intense it is.
- Findings are recorded and combined with results from other IHC markers and clinical information to reach a diagnosis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the IHC marker-Napsin test:
- Improper or excessive formalin fixation, which can mask the protein binding sites in the tissue
- Inadequate tissue sample size or poor preservation of the biopsy specimen
- Quality and specificity of the antibody used in the laboratory
- Technical aspects of antigen retrieval during slide preparation
- Experience of the pathologist interpreting the results
Understanding Your IHC Marker-Napsin Test Results
Results from this test must be reviewed by a qualified doctor or pathologist. A result is reported as positive or negative based on staining patterns observed in the tissue sample.
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Napsin A protein detected; supports diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma, or ovarian clear cell carcinoma |
| Negative | Napsin A protein not detected; findings may be consistent with other tumour types, including squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, or metastatic tumours. Further tests may be needed |
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 clinical situations can influence how results are interpreted:
- Poorly differentiated tumours may show reduced Napsin A expression, as the protein tends to be more strongly expressed in well-differentiated cancers.
- Mucinous lung tumours may produce unreliable results, as Napsin A is also expressed in gastrointestinal mucinous tumours, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
- In renal cell carcinoma, reduced Napsin A expression is associated with less favourable clinical features.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because Napsin A is a cancer diagnostic marker, lifestyle changes do not directly affect its expression. However, the following general habits support overall health:
- Avoid smoking, which is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer.
- Maintain a balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Follow your doctor's or oncologist's guidance for any further treatment or follow-up.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-Napsin Test Price
The IHC marker-Napsin test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for tissue-based tests of this nature.
| 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
Follow these steps to book your IHC marker-Napsin test online or at a centre:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-Napsin test is used to identify the Napsin A protein in tumour tissue. It helps diagnose primary lung adenocarcinoma, ovarian clear cell carcinoma, and certain renal cell carcinomas. It is also useful in determining whether a tumour in the lung is primary or has spread from another organ.
The sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in a paraffin block, which is then submitted to the laboratory. If a tissue block from a previous procedure is already available, no new biopsy is needed.
Combining Napsin A and TTF-1 markers improves the accuracy of diagnosing lung adenocarcinoma, as some tumours may be positive for only one of the two markers. Together, they offer higher sensitivity and specificity than either marker alone.
Not necessarily. A negative result means Napsin A protein was not detected in the tissue. This may indicate a different subtype of lung cancer, such as squamous cell or small cell carcinoma, or a poorly differentiated tumour. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside other tests and clinical findings.
Results for the IHC marker-Napsin test are available within 7 days of sample receipt at the laboratory. Complex cases requiring review of additional markers may take longer, as advised by your doctor.
This test provides important information about tumour origin but cannot determine the site of origin on its own. Napsin A is commonly expressed in primary lung adenocarcinomas and may also be present in certain ovarian and renal tumours. When interpreted alongside other IHC markers, tissue morphology, imaging findings, and clinical history, the test can help pathologists determine whether a tumour is likely to have originated in the lung or another organ.
No special preparation is needed if you are submitting an existing tissue block. Ensure it is properly sealed and stored at room temperature. Bring your clinical history, including previous test reports and imaging results, as this information is required to process and interpret the test accurately.
IHC Marker-Napsin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
