IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PAX5 IHC Test, PAX-5 Immunostain Test, B-cell-specific Activator Protein (BSAP) Immunohistochemistry Test, PAX5 Marker Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; ordered when lymphoma or B-cell malignancy is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test?
The IHC marker- PAX-5 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of the PAX-5 protein in tissue samples. PAX-5, also known as B-cell-specific activator protein (BSAP), is a protein found in the nucleus of B-cells (a type of white blood cell involved in immunity). Doctors order this test when they suspect a patient may have a lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) or another B-cell-related malignancy. The test is performed on a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block, which is a preserved tissue sample obtained through biopsy. It is also known as the PAX5 IHC test, PAX-5 immunostain test, B-cell-specific activator protein (BSAP) immunohistochemistry test, or PAX5 marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test Measure?
The IHC marker- PAX-5 test detects the PAX-5 protein within tissue cells using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC), where antibodies are used to identify specific proteins in tissue sections.
The table below explains what the test detects and why it matters:
| Parameter | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| PAX-5 Expression | Presence of PAX-5 protein in cell nuclei | Confirms whether tumour cells originate from B-cells |
PAX-5 is expressed during B-cell development, from early-stage (pro-B cells) through to mature B-cells. Notably, it is not found in plasma cells (fully mature, antibody-producing cells), which helps distinguish between different types of blood cancers.
Why Is an IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a pathologist needs to determine the origin of abnormal cells found in a biopsy sample. It plays a key role in classifying lymphomas and related blood cancers.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test after a biopsy when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue
- Drenching night sweats
- Unexplained fever
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent itching without a rash
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker- PAX-5 test helps identify or rule out several conditions. These include:
- B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
- B-lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (B-ALL)
- Mixed phenotype acute leukaemia (MPAL), a leukaemia with features of multiple cell types
- B-cell lymphomas in patients who have received rituximab therapy
- Small cell carcinomas and Merkel cell carcinomas (rare skin and neuroendocrine tumours)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is minimal, as the tissue sample is usually collected through a biopsy arranged by your doctor. Here is what you need to know.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. If you are scheduled for a biopsy to obtain the tissue, your doctor will give you separate instructions, which may include fasting guidelines specific to that procedure. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), before undergoing the biopsy
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Let your doctor know about any known allergies or underlying medical conditions
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the sample is collected and processed for the IHC marker- PAX-5 test procedure:
- Your doctor arranges a tissue biopsy. Depending on the location and suspected condition, this may be a fine-needle aspiration, a core needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy.
- The collected tissue is sent to the pathology laboratory, where it is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to maintain its structure.
- The preserved tissue block is sliced into very thin sections, typically 4 to 5 microns thick, and mounted on glass slides.
- The slides are treated with PAX-5 antibodies. These antibodies bind specifically to the PAX-5 protein if it is present in the tissue.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope, noting whether nuclear staining (colouring inside the cell nucleus) is present or absent.
- The findings are interpreted alongside your clinical history and any other markers tested, and a report is prepared within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Age of the paraffin-embedded tissue section
- Poor tissue fixation or inadequate formalin processing before embedding
- Unsuitable or poorly charged glass slides, which can affect staining quality
- Insufficient tissue in the biopsy sample, leading to inconclusive findings
Understanding Your IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test Results
Results from the test are reported as positive or negative and must be interpreted by a qualified pathologist in the context of the patient's full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide to what each result may indicate:
| Result | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|
| Positive (nuclear staining present) | Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, small B-cell lymphomas, B-lymphoblastic leukaemia or lymphoma, mixed phenotype acute leukaemia with B-cell lineage, small cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinomas |
| Negative (no staining detected) | T-cell lymphomas, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, acute myeloid leukaemia, plasma cell neoplasms (multiple myeloma), carcinoid tumours, melanoma |
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 results are interpreted:
Patients who have previously received rituximab therapy (a treatment for certain lymphomas) may lose the CD20 marker from their tumour cells. In these cases, PAX-5 remains detectable and is particularly valuable for confirming B-cell origin.
The quality of the tissue sample directly affects accuracy. Poorly preserved or ageing paraffin sections may produce inconsistent staining, sometimes requiring a repeat biopsy or reprocessing of the sample.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The PAX-5 marker reflects the biology of specific cancer cells and is not influenced by lifestyle factors. General guidance following a test includes:
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your specialist
- Share all previous test results, imaging reports, and medical records with your treating doctor
- Follow your haematologist's or oncologist's advice regarding any further investigations or management
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test Price
The IHC marker- PAX-5 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital, as home collection is not available for tissue-based tests. The table below shows approximate 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- PAX-5 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 for sample submission, or arrange for your tissue block to be sent through your referring doctor.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker- PAX-5 test helps pathologists confirm whether tumour cells originate from B-cells (a type of white blood cell). It is primarily used to classify lymphomas and leukaemias, particularly when distinguishing between different types of blood cancers. The test is ordered alongside other immunohistochemical markers to reach an accurate diagnosis.
PAX-5 is largely specific to B-cell lineage, but it can also be detected in small cell carcinomas and Merkel cell carcinomas (neuroendocrine tumours). T-cell lymphomas consistently test negative for PAX-5, making it a useful marker in distinguishing T-cell from B-cell malignancies.
The preferred specimen is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block. This is a tissue sample obtained through biopsy that has been preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. In many cases, the tissue block from a prior biopsy or surgery may already be available.
Including the PAX-5 immunostain in a panel with other immune markers helps establish B-cell origin more reliably and increases diagnostic accuracy. It is particularly helpful when distinguishing classical Hodgkin lymphoma from anaplastic large cell lymphoma, where clinical overlap can make diagnosis difficult on morphology alone.
Not always. The vast majority of classical Hodgkin lymphomas show PAX-5 expression. However, B-cell malignancies with significant plasmacytic differentiation, such as plasma cell neoplasms and multiple myeloma, typically do not express PAX-5. A pathologist considers this alongside other markers to reach a final diagnosis.
No, the IHC marker- PAX-5 test home collection is not available. This test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be performed at a hospital or diagnostic centre by a qualified medical professional. The resulting tissue block is then submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for processing and analysis.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 7 days. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
IHC Marker- PAX-5 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
