IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | OPN IHC, SPP1 Immunohistochemistry, Bone Sialoprotein 1 IHC, ETA-1 (Early T-lymphocyte Activation 1), Uropontin |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Males and females; adults with suspected malignancies |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test?
The IHC marker - Osteopontin test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence and quantity of osteopontin protein in tissue samples. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein found naturally in the body, particularly in bone, but is also produced in higher amounts by cancer cells. The test is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique that uses targeted antibodies to identify specific proteins in tissue.
Doctors typically order this test during a cancer workup to assess tumour behaviour and guide clinical decisions. It is also known as OPN IHC or SPP1 Immunohistochemistry.
What Does an IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test Measure?
This test measures the expression of osteopontin protein within a tissue biopsy sample. The findings are reported using a semi-quantitative scoring system. Below is a summary of what the test evaluates.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Osteopontin IHC Staining | Detects whether osteopontin protein is present in the tissue (scored 0 to 3) |
| Staining Intensity | Grades the strength of the signal: 0 (negative), 1 (weak), 2 (moderate), 3 (strong) |
| Overall Expression Score | Calculated by multiplying the percentage of positive cells by the intensity score |
Osteopontin plays a role in cell adhesion, immune signalling, and the formation of new blood vessels that tumours depend on. Measuring its expression helps pathologists understand how a tumour is behaving.
Why is an IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test Done?
This test is ordered as part of a cancer diagnostic workup when a doctor needs to understand the nature of a tissue sample better.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test after investigating the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent pain, especially bone pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Abnormal swelling
- Palpable lumps or masses
- Chronic joint stiffness
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Unusual skin thickening
- Signs of kidney dysfunction
- Symptoms associated with cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, liver, ovarian, gastric, or bone cancer
- Symptoms associated with chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, kidney, or lung diseases
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker - Osteopontin test is associated with a wide range of cancers. It can help in the assessment of:
- Breast cancer (particularly aggressive subtypes)
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Lung cancer (including non-small-cell lung cancer)
- Colorectal cancer
- Ovarian and cervical cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and other sarcomas
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on a tissue sample rather than a blood draw, your preparation is minimal. That said, there are a few important points to keep in mind.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is carried out on a tissue biopsy, so there are no dietary restrictions before sample submission.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when submitting your sample or arranging the test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry a valid prescription from your doctor
- Inform the lab of any prior treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, as these can affect the results
- Ensure the biopsy or surgical tissue has been properly preserved in formalin before submission
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - Osteopontin test procedure involves several laboratory steps performed after a tissue biopsy is collected:
- The tissue removed during a biopsy or surgery is placed in formalin to preserve it, then embedded in paraffin wax to form a solid block.
- A laboratory technician cuts the paraffin block into very thin sections (typically 4 to 5 micrometres) using a precision instrument called a microtome, and places them on glass slides.
- Specialised antibodies that target the osteopontin protein are applied to the slides. These antibodies carry a detectable marker, such as a coloured dye, that makes the protein visible.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope to identify where osteopontin is present and how strongly it is expressed.
- Advanced imaging software may also be used to measure and quantify the staining more precisely.
- The final report is prepared, including an intensity score and overall expression assessment, and is typically ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Improper fixation of the tissue sample, including over-fixation or under-fixation in formalin
- Delays between biopsy and sample processing, which can alter protein structure
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which may change how the protein is expressed
- Small or fragmented tissue samples that limit the amount of material available for analysis
- Technical variables such as antibody quality and laboratory equipment calibration
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test Results
Results from this test are reviewed by a pathologist and interpreted alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and other laboratory results. The scoring system below provides a general guide.
| Staining Score | Intensity | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Negative | No osteopontin expression detected |
| 1 | Weak | Low osteopontin expression |
| 2 | Moderate | Moderate osteopontin expression |
| 3 | Strong | High osteopontin expression |
Normal tissues typically show negative or minimal staining (Allred score 1 to 3). High expression has been linked to worse outcomes in several cancers, including liver, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. A negative result may suggest the absence of aggressive tumour characteristics and is generally associated with a better prognosis.
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
- Patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy may show altered osteopontin expression that does not reflect the tumour's original state.
- Over-fixation of the tissue in formalin can block the protein binding sites, potentially producing a falsely negative result.
- Osteopontin can also be expressed in immune cells (macrophages and lymphocytes) within the tumour, which the pathologist will account for during interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
- Attend all recommended health screenings as advised by your doctor, particularly if you have a family history of cancer.
- Follow a balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support immune function.
- If you are undergoing cancer treatment, adhere to your prescribed care plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test Price
The IHC marker - Osteopontin 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
Booking your IHC marker - Osteopontin test online at 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 for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test identifies how much osteopontin protein is present in a tissue sample. It helps doctors assess tumour behaviour, understand how aggressive a cancer may be, and make more informed treatment decisions. It is used across several cancer types, including breast, liver, lung, and colorectal cancers.
The sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure carried out by your treating doctor. You do not need a blood draw for this test. The collected tissue is processed into a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block before being sent to the laboratory.
The IHC marker - Osteopontin test procedure itself is entirely painless, as it is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery. Any discomfort you may experience would be from the biopsy procedure, which is typically performed under local anaesthesia.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically ready within 3 days. The timeline depends on when the sample is received and the complexity of the analysis involved.
A positive result means osteopontin protein was detected in the tissue. Higher expression levels have been linked to more aggressive tumour behaviour and poorer outcomes in several cancers. However, your doctor will always interpret a positive result alongside other clinical and imaging findings before drawing any conclusions.
Clinical history helps the pathologist interpret the staining results accurately. Factors such as prior cancer treatment, the site of the biopsy, and your medical background can all influence how the results should be read.
No. This test requires a tissue biopsy processed under controlled laboratory conditions. Home sample collection is not available. You will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submit the FFPE tissue block through your treating hospital or doctor.
IHC Marker - Osteopontin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
