IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test
About IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Neurofilament IHC, Neurofilament Protein (NFP) IHC, NF Immunostain, IHC NFP Test |
| Sample Type | Tissue specimen (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered by a doctor following a biopsy based on clinical need |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test?
The IHC marker - Neurofilament Test is a specialised laboratory test that detects neurofilament proteins in tissue samples using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). Neurofilament proteins are structural proteins found exclusively in nerve cells, making them useful markers for identifying tissue of neural origin. Also known as the Neurofilament IHC or IHC NFP Test, it is ordered by doctors after a biopsy to help classify tumours and characterise tissue at the cellular level.
What Does an IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test Measure?
This test identifies the presence or absence of neurofilament proteins in biopsy tissue. These proteins form the internal skeleton of nerve cells and their projections. The table below outlines what the test examines.
| Component | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| Neurofilament light chain (NF-L, 68 kDa) | One of three structural subunits of the neurofilament complex |
| Neurofilament medium chain (NF-M, 160 kDa) | Present in neuronal cell bodies and nerve projections |
| Neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H, 205 kDa) | Often phosphorylated; typically marks axons in normal nerve tissue |
| Staining pattern in tissue | Helps identify neuronal differentiation and determine whether cells or tissue components are of neural origin |
Why Is an IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test Done?
Doctors order this test when tissue analysis is needed to confirm or rule out a neural origin of cells found in a biopsy. It plays a key role in tumour classification.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with certain findings. The following are the most common situations that lead to this test being ordered.
- An unexplained lump or mass identified on imaging or physical examination
- Tissue abnormalities detected during a biopsy procedure
- Suspected tumour involving the nervous system
- Neurological symptoms requiring tissue-level investigation
- Constipation and bowel problems in newborns or infants, where Hirschsprung disease is suspected
- Post-surgical need to classify a removed tumour
- Inconclusive results from an initial histopathology report require further marker testing
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Neurofilament test helps a pathologist identify or rule out several conditions. These include the following.
- Neuroblastoma, ganglioglioma, and medulloblastoma (tumours with confirmed neural origin)
- Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour) and paraganglioma
- Carcinoid tumours, where neurofilament acts as a useful marker
- Merkel cell carcinoma, where neurofilament staining helps distinguish it from similar-looking skin cancers
- Central nervous system tumours with neuronal features, including pineocytoma, neurocytoma, and retinoblastoma
- Hirschsprung disease, a condition in newborns caused by the absence of nerve cells in sections of the large bowel
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker - Neurofilament Test procedure does not require any special preparation from the patient, as the test is performed on tissue already obtained through a biopsy. The key steps involve proper tissue handling and submitting supporting clinical information.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test, as it uses tissue rather than blood. If your doctor has scheduled a biopsy procedure under anaesthesia as part of the same visit, follow any separate fasting instructions provided for that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the test can be processed without delays.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Submit the tissue specimen in a proper formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block
- Carry copies of any existing histopathology reports related to the biopsy
- Bring relevant imaging reports, such as MRI, CT scan, PET scan, or X-ray results
- Carry a doctor's referral letter that includes the suspected diagnosis and clinical details
- Inform the lab about all medications you are currently taking
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the tissue sample is collected and processed for this test.
- A surgeon or specialist performs a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample from the area of concern. This may be a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal.
- The collected tissue is placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin to preserve it, then embedded in paraffin wax to form a solid block (FFPE block).
- The FFPE block is transported to the laboratory at room temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius) and received along with clinical records.
- Thin sections are cut from the block and placed on glass slides. A neurofilament antibody is applied to react with neurofilament proteins in the tissue.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope to assess the presence, absence, and pattern of neurofilament staining.
- Results are compiled and reported within 3 days, taking into account the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Paraffin sections older than 6 weeks may show reduced immunoreactivity
- Poor tissue fixation or inadequate formalin processing
- Quality of the antibody reagent used in the laboratory
- Absence of proper positive and negative control slides during testing
- An incomplete or missing clinical history was submitted with the sample
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test Results
This test produces a qualitative result, meaning it is reported as either positive or negative rather than as a numerical value. A pathologist interprets the staining pattern in the context of the overall clinical picture.
| Parameter | Result Type | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Neurofilament staining | Positive | Neural origin or neuronal differentiation present in the tissue |
| Neurofilament staining | Negative | No neurofilament expression detected; neuronal differentiation is not demonstrated, and a glial or non-neural origin may be considered, depending on other findings |
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
In cases of Hirschsprung disease, neurofilament immunostaining reveals differences in the phosphorylation state of neurofilament proteins between the affected (aganglionic) and normal (ganglionic) bowel segments, which helps characterise the condition at the tissue level.
In some pathological states, the neurofilament antibody clone SMI 31 may stain neuronal cell bodies in addition to axons.
In normal tissue, this antibody primarily marks axons only. This change in staining behaviour can be relevant when interpreting results in certain tumour or disease contexts.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
As a qualitative diagnostic test for tissue characterisation, this test does not measure a value that can be adjusted through lifestyle changes. However, the following general steps support the overall diagnostic process.
- Attend all follow-up appointments and share your complete medical history with your treating doctor.
- Keep records of all biopsy and pathology reports for reference in future consultations.
- Discuss results promptly with your specialist to plan next steps based on findings.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test Price
The IHC marker - Neurofilament Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as it involves specialised tissue processing equipment.
| 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
The following steps explain how to book the IHC marker - Neurofilament Test online through Lupin Diagnostics.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time with your FFPE tissue block, clinical history, and supporting documents.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days of sample processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps pathologists identify tumour cells that originate from nerve tissue or show neuronal characteristics. A positive result points to conditions such as neuroblastoma, ganglioglioma, or pheochromocytoma. It is also used to distinguish neuronal cells from glial cells in tissue analysis.
The test is performed on tissue already obtained through a biopsy. No separate sample is needed specifically for the IHC Neurofilament test. Your surgeon or specialist collects the biopsy, and the same tissue block is sent to the laboratory for immunohistochemistry processing.
No fasting is needed. The test uses a tissue sample, not blood, so there are no dietary restrictions before the test itself. If a biopsy under anaesthesia is part of your treatment plan, your doctor will give you separate instructions for that procedure.
Results are typically available within 3 days. The turnaround time depends on the complexity of the case and whether the tissue requires additional processing. Your report will be shared digitally once the pathologist has reviewed the stained slides.
A positive result indicates that the tissue contains cells of neural origin or cells that are showing neuronal differentiation. This finding may support a diagnosis of tumours such as neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, or ganglioglioma. Your pathologist will interpret the result alongside other clinical and diagnostic findings.
No. This test requires specialised laboratory equipment for tissue processing and staining. Home collection is not available. The FFPE tissue block must be submitted at a Lupin Diagnostics centre, along with all required clinical documents.
Neurofilament staining results are qualitative and cannot be interpreted in isolation. The pathologist needs clinical details, such as the biopsy site, symptoms, imaging findings, and prior histopathology reports, to provide an accurate and clinically meaningful report. Submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays and ensures a reliable result.
IHC Marker - Neurofilament Test
