IHC Marker - Nestin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - Nestin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Nestin IHC, IHC Nestin, Nestin Immunohistochemistry, Neural Stem Cell Marker Nestin |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered when clinical findings suggest specific tumour types |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Nestin Test?
The IHC marker - Nestin test uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the presence of nestin, a specialised protein found mainly in immature stem cells, within tissue samples. It is typically ordered by oncologists or pathologists when a biopsy or surgical specimen needs further characterisation. The test is also known as Nestin IHC or Nestin Immunohistochemistry, and it is performed on a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker - Nestin Test Measure?
This test detects and quantifies the expression of the nestin protein within tumour tissue. Here is a brief explanation of what is being assessed:
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Nestin protein | A class VI intermediate filament protein expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells and various immature or regenerating tissues; expression is usually low or absent in most mature differentiated cells |
| Staining pattern | Positive staining is typically cytoplasmic (sometimes with filamentous/perinuclear accentuation). Nuclear staining is generally considered non-specific/background and is not used for interpretation |
| Stem/progenitor cell activity | Nestin expression may indicate an immature, progenitor-cell, or stem-cell phenotype and is seen in several tumours of neuroectodermal, mesenchymal, and myogenic origin |
| Expression level | Usually assessed by the percentage of positive cells and/or staining intensity, according to the laboratory's scoring system |
Why is an IHC Marker - Nestin Test Done?
Doctors order the IHC marker - Nestin test when tissue from a biopsy needs to be classified more precisely, particularly when the origin or grade of a tumour is unclear.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms or findings may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent or worsening headaches, especially in the morning
- Seizures
- Unexplained weakness or numbness
- Vision changes
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- New or changing moles
- Changes in the size, shape, or colour of an existing mole
- Unexplained skin lesions
- Unexplained lumps or masses
- Persistent swelling
- Unexplained pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Neurological symptoms such as coordination problems or dizziness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Nestin Immunohistochemistry test may support the diagnosis or grading of the following conditions:
- Central nervous system tumours: astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and ependymoma
- Malignant melanoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (a skin tumour)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)
- Pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid tumours
- Paediatric tumours, including Wilms tumour (a kidney cancer in children), neuroblastoma (a nerve tissue tumour), rhabdomyosarcoma (a muscle-related cancer), and malignant rhabdoid tumour
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker - Nestin test procedure does not require any special preparation by the patient, as it is performed on a tissue sample rather than on blood or urine.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is carried out on a tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgery, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry your doctor's referral letter, which should mention the biopsy site and the clinical reason for the test
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a paraffin-embedded tissue block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans
- Inform your doctor about all current medications before the biopsy procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - Nestin test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical removal and immediately fixed in buffered formalin (a preservative solution) to maintain tissue structure.
- The fixed tissue is embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block that can be cut into very thin sections.
- Thin sections (approximately 4 to 5 micrometres) are cut from the paraffin block and mounted on microscope slides.
- The slides are deparaffinised (wax is removed) and treated using a process called antigen retrieval, which unblocks the proteins so that antibodies can bind to them.
- The slides are incubated with an anti-nestin monoclonal antibody, a specialised protein that binds specifically to nestin wherever it is present in the tissue.
- A detection system reveals areas of positive staining as brownish cytoplasmic colour; a pathologist then examines the slides under a microscope and records the result.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the Nestin IHC result:
- The quality of tissue fixation and how quickly the sample was preserved after biopsy
- Delays between the biopsy procedure and tissue fixation
- Prior treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which may alter protein expression
- Specimen size (very small samples may limit assessment)
- Tissue age and storage conditions
- Antibody quality and laboratory equipment calibration
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Nestin Test Results
Results from the IHC marker - Nestin test are reported by a pathologist based on the proportion of positive tumour cells and the intensity of staining. The table below shows the general scoring system used.
| Score | Category | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Negative | No nestin staining detected in tumour cells |
| 1+ | Weak | Low-level nestin expression in a small proportion of tumour cells |
| 2+ | Moderate | Moderate nestin expression in tumour cells |
| 3+ | Strong | Strong nestin expression in a large proportion of tumour cells |
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.
A positive result (with brownish cytoplasmic staining) may be associated with brain tumours such as glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, malignant melanoma, or tumours with cancer stem cell characteristics.
A negative result suggests that the tumour cells are likely mature and differentiated, and may help exclude certain tumour types.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since nestin is a tumour marker rather than a routine screening measure, lifestyle changes do not alter nestin expression. General guidance includes:
- Follow your oncologist's advice regarding any findings and the next steps in your care
- Attend all scheduled follow-up imaging and clinical evaluations as recommended
- Discuss any concerns about your biopsy results with your treating doctor or pathologist
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Nestin Test Price
The IHC marker - Nestin 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 tissue samples must be handled under clinical conditions.
| 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 the IHC marker - Nestin 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - Nestin test is a laboratory test that detects nestin protein in a tissue biopsy sample. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses specialised antibodies to identify specific proteins within tissue sections examined under a microscope. It is used by pathologists to help classify tumours and assess their origin and grade.
Your doctor may order this test when a tissue biopsy shows an uncertain tumour type or when further information about tumour aggressiveness is needed. It is commonly used for brain tumours, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, malignant melanoma, and certain paediatric kidney and muscle tumours.
A positive nestin result on its own does not confirm cancer. The pathologist and your treating doctor will consider the staining result alongside your clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and other histopathological features before reaching any conclusion. Please consult your doctor for a complete evaluation.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy, which may involve a needle biopsy, an incisional biopsy, or surgical removal of the mass. The IHC marker - Nestin test procedure is then performed on the fixed and processed tissue block in the laboratory.
Results are typically ready within 3 days. The exact turnaround may depend on the complexity of the case and the number of additional IHC markers being processed alongside nestin.
No. IHC marker - Nestin test home collection is not available. Tissue samples for IHC testing must be collected in a clinical setting by qualified medical professionals and submitted to the laboratory in a properly fixed and preserved format.
High nestin expression in gliomas, particularly high-grade types such as glioblastoma, has been associated with tumour progression and poorer clinical outcomes. It may also indicate the presence of cancer stem cells, which can contribute to resistance to standard treatments. Your oncologist will explain what the findings mean for your specific situation.
IHC Marker - Nestin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
