IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test
About IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NeuN IHC, Neuronal Nuclei A60, Fox-3 IHC, Rbfox3 Marker, Anti-NeuN Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No, this test is performed on previously collected tissue samples |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily ordered for neurological tissue evaluation |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test?
The IHC marker - Neuronal Nuclei- A60 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects a protein called NeuN (Neuronal Nuclei) in preserved brain or nerve tissue samples. Doctors use it to determine whether cells in a tissue sample are of neuronal (nerve cell) origin. Also known as the NeuN IHC or Anti-NeuN Antibody Test, it is performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block obtained from a biopsy or surgery.
What Does an IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test Measure?
This test analyses preserved tissue samples to detect the presence and distribution of NeuN protein. Unlike routine blood tests, it does not produce numerical values. Instead, a pathologist assesses the staining pattern under a microscope. The following parameters are evaluated.
| Parameter | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| NeuN staining (Positive/Negative) | Whether NeuN, a marker of mature neuronal differentiation, is present in the tissue |
| Staining intensity (Weak/Moderate/Strong) | How strongly NeuN is expressed in the positive cells |
| Staining distribution | The pattern of staining is typically nuclear with or without cytoplasmic staining in mature neurons |
NeuN is a DNA-binding protein found in the nuclei and surrounding cell bodies of most neurons in the central nervous system. It is also known as Fox-3 or Rbfox3 and plays a role in neuronal maturation during brain development.
Why Is an IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test Done?
Doctors order this test to evaluate neurological tissue when a brain tumour or nerve cell abnormality is suspected. It helps pathologists classify tumour types and assess the condition of brain tissue.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient shows the following symptoms.
- Seizures (fits) with no clear cause
- Persistent or unexplained headaches
- Visual disturbances or sudden loss of vision
- Neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness
- A suspected mass in the brain was detected through imaging
- Cognitive changes such as memory loss or confusion
- Unexplained neurological symptoms requiring tissue-level investigation
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Neuronal Nuclei A60 IHC test is used to help identify or differentiate the following conditions.
- Central neurocytoma, a brain tumour that shows strong NeuN staining in tumour cell nuclei
- Ganglioglioma and gangliocytoma, where the test identifies large NeuN-positive neurons within the tumour
- Glioneuronal tumours, which contain a mix of nerve and glial cells
- Assessment of neuronal loss in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
- Differentiation from tumours such as oligodendroglioma or ependymoma, which are typically NeuN-negative
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the IHC marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 test itself. However, submitting the right documents and tissue material is essential for accurate analysis.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue block already collected during a biopsy or surgery, so food and drink do not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared with the correct materials helps the laboratory process your sample without delay. Keep the following in mind.
- 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 clearly mentioning the biopsy site
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans
- Inform your doctor about all current medications
- Ensure the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block from your biopsy or surgery is properly packaged before submission
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps outline how the tissue is collected and processed for this test.
- A doctor collects the tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. No additional procedure is needed specifically for the IHC analysis.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it and then embedded in a paraffin wax block.
- Very thin slices of the tissue block are cut using a precision instrument called a microtome.
- The tissue section undergoes a heat-based process called antigen retrieval to expose the NeuN protein within the cells.
- The pathologist applies specialised NeuN antibodies to the tissue section. These antibodies carry markers that create visible colour signals when viewed under a microscope.
- The stained slides are examined, and a report is prepared describing the presence, intensity, and location of the staining.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Prolonged formalin fixation, which can reduce protein detection
- Tissue damaged by necrosis or poorly preserved before submission
- Antigen retrieval technique used in the laboratory
- Antibody quality and dilution
- Thickness of the tissue section
- Prior treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can alter protein expression
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei- A60 Test Results
Results from the NeuN IHC test are qualitative, not numerical. A pathologist examines the stained tissue under a microscope and reports the findings based on the pattern, location, and strength of staining. Always review results with your treating doctor or neurologist.
| Parameter | Finding | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| NeuN staining | Positive | Neuronal protein detected; suggests presence of mature neurons |
| NeuN staining | Negative | Neuronal protein absent; may indicate non-neuronal or glial tumour |
| Staining intensity | Weak to strong | Reflects the degree of neuronal marker expression |
| Staining distribution | Nuclear with cytoplasmic component | Typical pattern in mature neuronal 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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how NeuN staining appears in tissue, even when the tissue is otherwise well preserved.
- NeuN is not expressed in all mature neuron types. Cells such as cerebellar Purkinje cells, olfactory mitral cells, and retinal photoreceptors are naturally NeuN-negative despite being fully functional. A negative result in these areas does not mean the tissue is abnormal.
- In neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, a reduction in NeuN-positive neurons may be observed before other changes appear.
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation can also modify protein expression in tissue, which the pathologist will account for when interpreting results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is a diagnostic marker test and does not apply to routine wellness monitoring. General tips for supporting brain health are below.
- Engage in regular physical activity, which supports blood flow to the brain
- Follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Consult a neurologist promptly for any persistent or worsening neurological symptoms
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test Price
The IHC marker - Neuronal Nuclei- A60 test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; 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
Follow these steps to book your IHC marker - Neuronal Nuclei- A60 test online.
- 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 NeuN IHC test detects a neuronal protein called NeuN in preserved tissue samples. It helps pathologists identify whether tumour cells contain neurons, differentiate between brain tumour types, and assess neuronal preservation or loss in neurological conditions.
Tissue is collected by your doctor through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. The IHC marker - Neuronal Nuclei- A60 test procedure is then performed on that existing tissue block. No additional collection is needed specifically for the IHC analysis.
Results are typically available within 3 days. The exact time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and any additional markers being assessed alongside this test.
No. Certain neuron types, including cerebellar Purkinje cells, olfactory mitral cells, and retinal photoreceptors, are naturally NeuN-negative even when fully mature and functional. Your pathologist is aware of these exceptions when interpreting results.
Yes. Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy can alter protein expression in tissue. Your doctor and pathologist will consider any treatment history when reviewing your results.
Clinical history helps the pathologist interpret staining patterns in the correct medical context. Information about symptoms, imaging findings, and previous treatments is important for accurate diagnosis and for choosing the right panel of markers.
No. This test requires a properly preserved tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgery, which must be collected in a clinical setting. The sample must be submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for laboratory processing.
IHC Marker - Neuronal Nuclei - A60 Test
