IHC Marker- p63 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- p63 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | p63 IHC Test, p63 Immunostain Test, Tumour Protein 63 Test, TP63 Immunohistochemistry Test |
| Sample Type | Tissue (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered by a pathologist or oncologist when cancer diagnosis or tumour classification is needed |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker- p63 Test?
The IHC marker- p63 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of the p63 protein in tissue samples using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC). The p63 protein belongs to the same family as the p53 tumour-suppressor protein and is normally found in the basal and outer support cells of certain tissues. A doctor or pathologist typically orders this test after a biopsy or surgical procedure to help classify a tumour or distinguish between different types of tissue lesions. It is also known as the p63 IHC test, p63 immunostain test, tumour protein 63 test, or TP63 immunohistochemistry test. The tissue sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker- p63 Test Measure?
This test detects a single protein marker in tissue. The table below explains what is assessed:
| Marker | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| p63 Protein | Nuclear expression of the p63 protein in tissue cells | Helps identify squamous, urothelial, or myoepithelial cell types; supports cancer classification and distinguishes benign from malignant lesions |
The staining is confined to the nucleus (the cell's control centre). A pathologist assesses the intensity and distribution of that staining to draw meaningful conclusions about the tissue.
Why Is an IHC Marker- p63 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a tissue sample needs further examination to classify a suspected tumour or clarify an unclear biopsy result. Below are the common reasons a pathologist or specialist may request it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several clinical findings may prompt a doctor to request an IHC marker- p63 test. These include:
- An unexplained lump or mass detected on imaging
- Persistent cough or respiratory symptoms with an abnormal chest finding
- Unusual changes in breast tissue identified on mammography
- Blood in the urine alongside an abnormal urinary tract finding
- A prostate biopsy result requiring further classification
- Skin or mucosal lesions with uncertain pathology
- Bone lesions that need tumour type confirmation
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test assists in identifying or differentiating the following conditions:
- Squamous cell carcinomas (skin, lung, anal, and other sites)
- Urothelial carcinomas of the bladder
- Basal cell carcinomas of the skin
- Invasive versus in situ carcinoma of the breast
- Prostate adenocarcinoma versus benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Lung squamous cell carcinoma versus adenocarcinoma of the lung
- Renal cell carcinoma versus urothelial carcinoma of the kidney
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery, there is no preparation required on the day of the test itself.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC marker- p63 test. The test is carried out on a tissue block processed in the laboratory. If you are scheduled for a biopsy to obtain the tissue, your doctor will give you separate pre-procedure instructions, which may include fasting guidelines specific to that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before and during the tissue collection process:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant imaging reports, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you take, particularly blood thinners or anticoagulants, before any biopsy procedure
- Follow all pre-operative or pre-biopsy instructions provided by your treating doctor
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing on the day of the biopsy procedure
- Arrange for someone to accompany you if the procedure requires sedation
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during the IHC marker- p63 test procedure:
- A doctor or surgeon collects a small piece of tissue through a biopsy (needle or surgical) or during an operation.
- The tissue sample is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block.
- The fixed tissue block is transported to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C).
- In the laboratory, thin sections of the tissue are cut and placed on specially prepared glass slides.
- The slides undergo immunohistochemical staining, during which a specific antibody targets the p63 protein in the tissue cells.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and assesses the staining pattern, along with your clinical history, to prepare the final report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the quality or reliability of the test result:
- Poor tissue fixation or delays in placing the sample into formalin
- An inadequate or very small tissue sample
- Prolonged exposure to heat, which can damage the paraffin block
- Suboptimal antigen retrieval technique in the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker- p63 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker- p63 test are reported qualitatively. Your pathologist will note whether staining is positive or negative and will describe the pattern in the context of your clinical information. The table below summarises expected findings:
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (nuclear staining present) | p63 protein is expressed; consistent with squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, myoepithelial cells, or metaplastic breast carcinoma, depending on context |
| Negative (no staining detected) | p63 protein is absent; supports diagnoses such as prostatic adenocarcinoma, invasive breast ductal carcinoma, or renal cell carcinoma, in appropriate clinical settings |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because p63 is a tissue-based diagnostic marker, no lifestyle factor directly influences its expression. The following general wellness habits support early detection and overall health:
- Attend regular health check-ups and report any new or unusual lumps, skin changes, or persistent symptoms to your doctor promptly
- Follow age-appropriate cancer screening recommendations as advised by your healthcare provider
- Maintain a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and a non-smoking lifestyle to support overall health
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- p63 Test Price
The IHC marker- p63 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital or a clinical setting for tissue collection; home collection is not available for this test. The table below shows indicative prices across major Indian cities:
| 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 for IHC marker- p63 test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or coordinate with your treating doctor to submit the tissue block collected during the biopsy or surgery.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker- p63 test helps pathologists identify the type of cells present in a tumour. It is used to confirm squamous or urothelial differentiation, detect myoepithelial cells in breast tissue, and distinguish between cancer types that look similar under a standard microscope.
The sample is collected by a doctor during a biopsy or surgical procedure. A small piece of tissue is removed, preserved in formalin, and embedded in a paraffin block. This block is then sent to the laboratory for immunohistochemical staining.
A positive result means the p63 protein is detected in the tissue. In squamous epithelium and urothelial tissue, this is a normal finding. In breast and prostate tissue, positive staining typically indicates the presence of basal or myoepithelial cells, which is associated with benign processes. Your pathologist will explain what the result means in your specific case.
No. The IHC marker- p63 test is one part of a broader diagnostic workup. It is always interpreted together with routine histopathological examination, other IHC markers, imaging findings, and your clinical history to arrive at a final diagnosis.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue block. The test results are delivered directly via email or WhatsApp once they are ready.
No. Because the test requires a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, home collection is not possible. The sample must be collected in a clinical or surgical setting by a trained healthcare professional.
Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, relevant imaging reports, and any previous biopsy or pathology results. This information is required for the test and helps the pathologist provide an accurate interpretation of the staining pattern.
IHC Marker- p63 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
