IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | OCT-2 Immunostain, Oct2 IHC, Octamer Binding Transcription Factor 2, OCT-2 Marker, POU2F2, Octamer-binding factor 2 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders; any age when investigating suspected lymphoma or B-cell malignancies |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test?
The OCT-2 test is a specialised immunohistochemistry (IHC) test that detects the presence of the OCT-2 protein in tissue samples. OCT-2, also known as Octamer Binding Transcription Factor 2, is a protein that regulates gene activity in B cells (a type of white blood cell). Doctors order this test when investigating suspected lymphoma, particularly to distinguish between different subtypes. The test is performed on a tissue biopsy sample that has been preserved and embedded in paraffin wax.
What Does an IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test Measure?
The OCT-2 test procedure analyses tissue at a molecular level to detect a specific protein. The table below explains what the test assesses.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| OCT-2 Protein Expression | Whether tumour cells express OCT-2, a transcription factor associated with B-cell differentiation and function |
| Staining Pattern | Positive staining is seen in the cell nucleus; nuclear staining indicates OCT-2 expression |
| Staining Intensity | The strength and extent of staining may help characterise B-cell lymphomas and distinguish between lymphoma subtypes |
OCT-2 is a transcription factor, which means it is a protein that switches certain genes on or off. In normal B cells, it helps activate immunoglobulin (antibody) gene production. Detecting whether it is present or absent in diseased tissue is key to identifying the type of lymphoma.
Why Is an IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test Done?
This test is ordered by a pathologist or oncologist when routine blood tests and tissue examinations point towards a lymphoma that needs further classification.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to investigate lymphoma and request this test.
- Painless swelling or a lump in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Unexplained fever and night sweats
- Unintended weight loss and poor appetite
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue
- Generalised itching without a clear skin cause
- Painful or aching swollen lymph nodes after consuming alcohol
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist uses OCT-2 staining as part of a marker panel to help identify the following conditions.
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (where OCT-2 is typically absent or reduced)
- Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), where OCT-2 is strongly expressed
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Rare B-cell lymphomas that do not express conventional B-cell markers, such as plasmablastic lymphoma and primary effusion lymphoma
- T-cell lymphomas (where OCT-2 is generally absent, helping rule out B-cell origin)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required on the patient's part, as this test is performed on a tissue sample that has already been collected. The section below explains what to arrange before submitting the sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The OCT-2 test procedure does not involve a direct blood draw or urine collection from the patient at the time of testing.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the sample reaches the laboratory in the correct condition.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry the original histopathology report from your biopsy
- Bring a valid prescription from your treating doctor
- Inform the laboratory if you have undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy before the biopsy, as prior treatment can affect protein expression in the tissue
- Ensure the tissue block is handled and transported at the correct temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius)
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the OCT-2 test is carried out from tissue collection to result.
- A tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy. This may be a fine-needle aspiration, a core needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy, depending on the location and size of the affected lymph node or tissue.
- The collected tissue is preserved using formalin and then embedded in paraffin wax to maintain its structure. This forms the FFPE tissue block that is submitted to the laboratory.
- Laboratory technologists cut very thin slices of the tissue block and place them on microscope slides.
- Specially prepared antibodies targeting the OCT-2 protein are applied to the tissue sections. If OCT-2 is present, these antibodies bind to it.
- A detection agent is added that produces a visible colour change (typically brown or red) wherever the antibody has bound. This allows the pathologist to see whether and where OCT-2 is expressed.
- A qualified pathologist reviews the stained slides, notes the staining pattern and intensity, and prepares a report in the context of the patient's clinical history and other test findings.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Improper fixation of the tissue (too short or too long in formalin) can reduce antibody binding or cause uneven staining
- Delay of more than six hours before fixation can cause tissue shrinkage and weaker staining
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy may alter protein expression in the tumour
- Previous immunosuppressive therapy may change how lymphocyte markers appear
- The choice of antibody clone and the laboratory's interpretation threshold can also influence results
Understanding Your IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test Results
Results from the OCT-2 test are qualitative, meaning the pathologist reports whether staining is positive or negative and describes its intensity. The table below provides a general guide.
| Staining Result | Possible Indication |
|---|---|
| Strongly positive (nuclear) | Supports B-cell lineage; commonly seen in B-cell lymphomas |
| Absent or reduced | May be seen in classical Hodgkin lymphoma or non-B-cell neoplasms |
| Positive alongside BOB.1 | Supports B-cell differentiation |
| Interpretation with other markers | OCT-2 results should be interpreted with BOB.1, PAX5, CD20, CD79a, and morphologic 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
Prior treatments and specimen handling can both affect how results appear.
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy administered before the biopsy can modify protein expression in the tissue, potentially altering staining intensity.
Additionally, delays in fixation or the use of an unsuitable fixative can cause non-specific staining or reduced antibody binding, which may make results harder to interpret.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test rather than a routine screening, general wellness tips apply.
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have known risk factors for lymphoma, such as a family history or immune system conditions
- Report any persistent, painless swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin to your doctor without delay
- Follow your oncologist's recommendations for any further testing, treatment, or monitoring
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test Price
The OCT-2 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.
| 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 complete your OCT-2 test online booking.
- Select the IHC Marker - OCT-2 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 and clinical documentation.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The OCT-2 test helps pathologists determine whether cells are of B-cell origin and assists in classifying types of lymphoma. It is particularly useful for distinguishing between classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and for identifying rare B-cell lymphomas that do not express standard B-cell markers.
The tissue sample is obtained by your doctor through a biopsy before the test is requested. Depending on the suspected location of the disease, this may involve a needle biopsy or a small surgical procedure. The IHC staining is then performed on this already-collected sample in the laboratory.
No. The OCT-2 test home sample collection option is not available. The FFPE tissue block must be submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, along with your clinical history and prescription.
Results are typically delivered within 3 days. This turnaround time reflects the detailed laboratory process involved, including tissue processing, antibody staining, and pathologist review.
A positive result indicates that the OCT-2 protein is expressed in the tissue, which strongly suggests a B-cell origin. Around 97.7% of confirmed B-cell lymphoma cases show positive OCT-2 staining. However, a positive result must always be interpreted alongside other markers and clinical findings by a qualified pathologist.
No. The OCT-2 test is one part of a larger diagnostic panel. Pathologists use it together with other IHC markers, clinical history, and routine histopathology (H&E staining) to arrive at a diagnosis. It is a supporting tool, not a standalone cancer diagnosis test.
Proper tissue fixation is the most important factor. Delays before fixation, incorrect fixative type, or overly long fixation times can all reduce staining accuracy. Prior cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also alter how the tissue responds to the antibody, which is why informing the laboratory about previous treatments is important.
IHC Marker - OCT-2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
