IHC Marker- PLAP Test
About IHC Marker- PLAP Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PLAP IHC Test, Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Immunostain Test, PLAP Immunohistochemistry Test, Placental-like Alkaline Phosphatase Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all ages (primarily adults with suspected germ cell tumours) |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker- PLAP Test?
The IHC marker- PLAP test is a specialised pathology test that detects placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), a protein marker, in a tissue sample using a method called immunohistochemistry (IHC). A pathologist treats the tissue with specific antibodies that bind to the PLAP protein, making it visible under a microscope. This test is primarily used to help diagnose certain cancers, particularly germ cell tumours. This test is also known as the PLAP IHC test, the placental alkaline phosphatase immunostain test, the PLAP immunohistochemistry test, or the placental-like alkaline phosphatase test. The sample used is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy.
What Does an IHC Marker- PLAP Test Measure?
The IHC marker- PLAP test assesses a single protein marker in tissue. Below is what the test evaluates:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| PLAP Expression | Whether the PLAP protein is present or absent in the tissue sample, helping identify tumours of germ cell origin |
Why is an IHC Marker- PLAP Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects certain types of cancer based on symptoms, imaging findings, or a previous biopsy. It helps confirm the nature of a tumour and guides further management.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the PLAP IHC test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- A painless lump or swelling in the testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen
- Pelvic pain or bloating, particularly in women with suspected ovarian tumours
- Chest pain or persistent cough, which may suggest a tumour in the chest (mediastinum)
- Unexplained abdominal discomfort alongside abnormal imaging findings
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker- PLAP test is used in assessing a range of conditions, including:
- Seminoma, a common form of testicular cancer
- Dysgerminoma, a germ cell tumour of the ovary where PLAP staining is consistently positive
- Germinoma of the brain, which typically shows PLAP positivity reflecting its germ cell origin
- Embryonal carcinoma, where positive staining is seen in the majority of cases
- Intratubular germ cell neoplasia, yolk sac tumour, choriocarcinoma, and hydatidiform mole
- Certain epithelial cancers, including some lung, colon, and kidney tumours that may also express PLAP
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, there are a few steps to keep in mind before the biopsy and sample submission.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the IHC marker- PLAP test. There are no dietary restrictions before undergoing this test. If you are having a biopsy to obtain a tissue sample, your doctor will give you specific instructions beforehand.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to arrange before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Share any previous biopsy reports or imaging studies with the pathologist for accurate interpretation
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker- PLAP test procedure involves collecting a tissue sample and processing it in the laboratory. Here is what the process involves:
- A biopsy is performed by a trained healthcare professional to collect the tissue sample. This may be a needle biopsy or a surgical excision, depending on the location of the suspected tumour.
- The collected tissue is preserved using formalin and then embedded in paraffin wax to create a stable FFPE tissue block for transport and analysis.
- In the laboratory, thin slices of the tissue block are placed on microscope slides and treated with antibodies that bind specifically to the PLAP protein.
- A colouring agent is applied so that any PLAP protein in the tissue becomes visible under the microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, assessing the presence, pattern, and intensity of PLAP staining in the context of your clinical history.
- The pathologist prepares a detailed report, which is dispatched within the turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors can influence the reliability of the test result:
- Quality and size of the tissue sample collected during the biopsy
- Proper fixation and processing of the tissue block
- Previous freezing of the tissue or mechanical damage to the sample
- Quality of the antibodies used in the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker- PLAP Test Results
Results of the IHC marker- PLAP test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative rather than as numerical values. A pathologist assesses the staining intensity and pattern alongside your clinical details before issuing the report. Here is the general interpretation of the test results:
| PLAP Expression | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | PLAP protein detected in the tissue; suggestive of germ cell tumour origin or certain other tumour types |
| Negative | PLAP protein not detected; may indicate a tumour not of germ cell origin, or the need for additional IHC markers |
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 factors can affect how results are interpreted:
Although PLAP is a sensitive marker for germ cell tumours, it is not specific. It can also be expressed in cancers of the lung, colon, kidneys, and female reproductive tract, which may complicate interpretation.
Small biopsy samples that have been crushed or previously frozen may produce non-specific background staining, making it harder for the pathologist to draw conclusions. In such cases, additional IHC markers are typically used alongside the PLAP IHC result for a definitive diagnosis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test is a diagnostic marker rather than a routine health parameter. The following general health tips are relevant for overall well-being:
- Attend regular health check-ups as advised by your doctor, particularly if you have a personal or family history of germ cell tumours
- Report any new or unusual lumps, swelling, or persistent discomfort to your healthcare provider without delay
- Follow up with your oncologist or specialist as directed after receiving your results
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- PLAP Test Price
The IHC marker- PLAP test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital, as home collection is not available. The FFPE tissue block must be submitted by a trained healthcare professional in a clinical setting. The table below shows indicative prices:
| 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- PLAP 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.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker- PLAP test detects the presence of the placental alkaline phosphatase protein in a tissue sample. It is primarily used to help diagnose germ cell tumours such as seminoma, dysgerminoma, and germinoma, and to distinguish them from other types of tumours.
The sample is a tissue block obtained through a biopsy performed by a trained healthcare professional. Depending on the suspected tumour location, this may be a needle biopsy or a surgical excision. The tissue is then fixed and embedded in paraffin wax before being sent to the laboratory.
Not always. While PLAP is highly sensitive for germ cell tumours, it can also be positive in certain other cancers. Pathologists typically use the PLAP IHC result alongside other immunohistochemical markers and clinical findings to reach a definitive diagnosis.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report for the IHC marker- PLAP test is delivered within 7 days. The test results are delivered directly via email or WhatsApp once they are ready.
No, a negative result means PLAP protein was not detected in the tissue. It may suggest the tumour is not of germ cell origin, but it does not rule out cancer entirely. Your doctor will review the result alongside other tests and your clinical picture before drawing any conclusions.
No, the IHC marker- PLAP test home collection is not available. It requires a tissue biopsy collected by a trained professional in a clinical setting. The FFPE tissue block must then be submitted to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for laboratory analysis.
A detailed clinical history helps the pathologist interpret the staining results accurately. Factors such as the site of the biopsy, imaging findings, prior treatments, and other test results all influence how PLAP expression is assessed and reported.
IHC Marker- PLAP Test
