IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test
About IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Olig2 IHC, Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2 Immunostain, OLIG2 Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No. This test is performed on a tissue sample, not blood |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily for patients with suspected brain tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test?
The IHC marker - Olig2 protein test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of the Olig2 protein in tissue samples using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC). Olig2 is a protein that controls the development of specific brain cells called oligodendrocytes, which produce the protective coating around nerve fibres. Doctors order this test when a brain tumour is suspected, to help identify and classify the type of tumour present. It is also known as the Olig2 IHC or the OLIG2 immunohistochemistry test.
What Does an IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test Measure?
This test detects a single protein, Olig2, within tumour tissue. The pathologist examines stained tissue slides under a microscope to assess how many tumour cells show Olig2 activity in their nuclei (the control centres of cells). The result guides tumour classification alongside other markers.
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Olig2 Nuclear Staining | Whether tumour cells express the Olig2 protein in their nuclei, helping identify glial brain tumours and supporting a diagnosis of glioma |
Results are reported as positive (Olig2 protein present in 10% or more of tumour cells), focal/patchy positive (present in fewer than 50% of tumour cells), or negative (present in fewer than 10% of tumour cells).
Why Is an IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test Done?
This test is ordered when a patient presents with symptoms that raise concern for a brain tumour, or when a biopsy has already been taken, and the tumour type needs to be confirmed.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Doctors may recommend an Olig2 IHC evaluation when a patient reports the following symptoms:
- Persistent headaches, especially if worse in the morning or aggravated by coughing or straining
- New-onset or unexplained seizures
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Weakness in an arm, leg, or one side of the body
- Vision changes, including blurred or double vision
- Hearing loss or hearing disturbances
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Trouble walking
- Dizziness
- Unexplained nausea
- Vomiting, particularly when associated with headaches
- Sensory disturbances affecting sight, hearing, or touch
- Progressive neurological symptoms that worsen over time
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The OLIG2 immunohistochemistry test helps pathologists identify or rule out several tumour types, including:
- Diffuse gliomas (a group of tumours arising from the brain's supportive cells), where Olig2 is highly expressed across all grades
- Oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas (specific types of glial brain tumours)
- Glioblastoma (an aggressive brain tumour), where Olig2 staining supports diagnosis
- Rhabdomyosarcomas carrying the PAX3/7-FOXO1 chromosomal change, which are linked to Olig2 positivity
- Distinguishing gliomas from ependymomas, neurocytomas, and other central nervous system tumours where Olig2 is absent
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC marker - Olig2 protein test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery, there is no separate sample collection process for the patient at the time of testing.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test uses a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample, so food and drink do not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before submitting your tissue specimen or attending your appointment, 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, which should include the biopsy site and relevant background
- Include all existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a paraffin block
- Bring relevant imaging reports, such as MRI, CT scan, or PET scan results
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Follow any specific preparation instructions provided by your surgeon or pathologist
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens from tissue collection to result:
- A doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. This step takes place in a hospital or clinic setting.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block (the FFPE tissue block).
- Very thin slices of the tissue block are cut using a precision instrument called a microtome.
- These slices are mounted onto glass slides and treated with an anti-Olig2 antibody, which binds to the Olig2 protein if present.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and records the pattern and extent of Olig2 staining.
- The findings are compiled into a report and delivered within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain handling and processing factors can influence the reliability of this test:
- Delayed or improper fixation of the tissue after collection
- Overly prolonged exposure to formalin can mask target proteins
- Paraffin sections stored beyond 6 weeks may show reduced staining quality
- Environmental factors affecting the glass slide charge, which can alter staining
- The quality of the antibody reagent and the antigen retrieval technique used in the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test Results
A pathologist interprets this test in conjunction with the patient's clinical picture, imaging findings, and other IHC markers. Results are qualitative, meaning they report the presence or absence of staining rather than a numerical value.
| Staining Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (nuclear staining present) | Supports glial differentiation and is commonly seen in gliomas, including astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma |
| Focal/Patchy Positive | Partial Olig2 expression; interpreted in conjunction with tumour morphology and other immunohistochemical markers |
| Negative (no significant nuclear staining) | Does not support glial differentiation; a non-glial tumour may be considered, although some glial tumours can show reduced or absent Olig2 expression |
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.
In normal brain tissue, Olig2 is expressed in the nuclei of oligodendrocytes (the cells that produce the protective myelin coating around nerve fibres).
A positive result in tumour tissue indicates that the tumour cells share characteristics with this normal cell type.
A negative result suggests the tumour is unlikely to be a glioma. Tumours such as ependymomas, medulloblastomas, CNS lymphomas, meningiomas, and schwannomas do not express Olig2.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because Olig2 is a tumour classification marker rather than a general health indicator, lifestyle changes do not alter its expression. The following steps support your overall neurological health and follow-up care:
- Attend all follow-up imaging and clinical appointments as recommended by your doctor
- Report any new or worsening neurological symptoms, such as fresh seizures, severe headaches, or changes in speech or memory, to your doctor promptly
- Follow your treating doctor's guidance regarding further investigations or specialist referrals
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test Price
The IHC marker - Olig2 protein test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a prepared tissue specimen; 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
Booking your IHC marker - Olig2 protein test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the 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 or slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The OLIG2 immunohistochemistry test helps pathologists identify and classify brain tumours. It is particularly useful for distinguishing gliomas, such as oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas, from other types of central nervous system tumours where Olig2 is not expressed. It is almost always used alongside other IHC markers to reach a final diagnosis.
A tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal in a hospital or clinic setting. The IHC marker - Olig2 protein test procedure is then carried out on this already-collected tissue in the laboratory. No separate sample collection is needed at the time of testing.
No. The IHC marker - Olig2 protein test home collection is not available because the test requires a tissue block obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. Tissue specimens must be submitted to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or affiliated facility.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 3 days of specimen receipt. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the complexity of the case or whether additional IHC markers are being tested alongside.
Olig2 is a useful marker for identifying glial tumours, but it cannot classify individual tumours on its own. Expression can vary between tumour cells, so pathologists always interpret Olig2 results together with clinical findings, imaging, and other IHC markers before reaching a diagnosis.
A negative result means fewer than 10% of tumour cells show Olig2 staining. This finding suggests the tumour is unlikely to be a glioma. Tumours such as meningiomas, CNS lymphomas, schwannomas, and ependymomas typically do not express Olig2, so a negative result helps point pathologists towards alternative tumour types.
Yes. Proper tissue fixation is critical to accurate results. Delayed fixation after collection, overly prolonged exposure to formalin, or degraded tissue can reduce the accuracy of the staining. Following your surgeon's or pathologist's instructions on how to handle and transport the tissue block helps ensure reliable results.
IHC Marker - Olig2 Protein Test
