IHC Marker- PSA Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- PSA Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC-PSA Test, PSA Immunostain Test, Prostate-Specific Antigen Immunohistochemistry Test, PSA IHC Marker Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Males only |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker- PSA Test?
The IHC marker- PSA test uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a laboratory technique that applies special antibody stains to tissue samples, to detect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein directly in biopsy tissue. PSA is a protein produced by prostate gland cells and is found in both normal and cancerous prostate tissue. Doctors order this test to confirm whether a tumour is of prostatic origin, particularly when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is also known as the IHC-PSA test, PSA immunostain test, prostate-specific antigen immunohistochemistry test, or PSA IHC marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker- PSA Test Measure?
This test detects and assesses PSA protein expression within a tissue sample. A pathologist examines the stained tissue under a microscope and reports findings across three aspects:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| PSA Staining (Positive/Negative) | Whether PSA protein is present in the tissue |
| Staining Intensity (0 to 3+) | How strongly the protein is expressed: Negative (0), Weak (1+), Moderate (2+), Strong (3+) |
| Staining Pattern | Whether staining is apical (typical of normal prostate cells) or diffuse across the cell |
Why is an IHC Marker- PSA Test Done?
Doctors may request the IHC marker- PSA test when they need to confirm the origin of a tumour or investigate symptoms related to the prostate.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test when a patient presents with symptoms that suggest a prostate-related condition. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pelvic or lower back pain
- Bone pain without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- A previously detected mass or abnormal growth
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test helps identify or confirm several conditions. These include:
- Prostate cancer, including primary and recurrent forms
- Metastatic carcinoma of prostatic origin, where cancer has spread from the prostate to other sites
- Adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site, to determine whether the prostate is the source
- Distinction between prostatic carcinoma and urothelial (bladder) carcinoma
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
- Prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC marker- PSA test is performed on a tissue sample rather than a blood or urine sample, preparation is minimal. However, a few points are worth keeping in mind before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test analyses tissue, so food and drink do not affect the result. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, follow any specific instructions for the biopsy procedure provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to help your test go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any blood-thinning medications you are taking, as these may affect the biopsy procedure
- Let your doctor know about any allergies or underlying medical conditions before tissue collection
- Continue taking your prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise
- If a new biopsy is needed, your doctor will give you specific instructions for that procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue biopsy is obtained from the prostate or a suspected secondary (metastatic) site by your treating doctor or surgeon prior to the IHC test.
- The tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax, creating an FFPE block, which is the required sample format.
- At the laboratory, the wax is removed and the tissue section is rehydrated before applying a PSA-specific primary antibody.
- Enzyme-linked secondary antibodies are then applied, and a substrate is added to make the PSA staining visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained tissue slides and records the staining result, intensity, and pattern.
- A written report is prepared and delivered to your doctor within the stated turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several technical and clinical factors can influence the reliability of results. These include:
- Duration and quality of tissue fixation in formalin before processing
- Condition and integrity of the FFPE tissue block
- Antigen retrieval technique used in the laboratory
- Antibody concentration and specificity
- Presence of prior radiation therapy to the prostate
Understanding Your IHC Marker- PSA Test Results
Results from the IHC marker- PSA test are qualitative and must be reviewed by your treating doctor alongside your clinical history, imaging, and other pathology findings. The table below outlines how results are generally interpreted:
| Finding | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Strong positive (2+ to 3+), apical pattern | Consistent with benign prostate tissue or well-differentiated prostate cancer |
| Positive, diffuse pattern | May indicate prostate cancer or benign prostatic enlargement |
| Weak or focal positive (1+) | Possible in poorly differentiated or advanced prostate cancers |
| Negative (0) | Suggests non-prostatic origin, or may occur in castration-resistant or poorly differentiated cancers |
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 treatment factors can alter PSA expression in tissue and affect how results are read:
- Radiation therapy may reduce or eliminate PSA expression in benign prostate cells without necessarily indicating treatment failure in tumour cells.
- Androgen deprivation therapy and certain medications used for urinary symptoms or hair loss can also lower PSA expression.
- A negative or weak result in a high-grade or poorly differentiated cancer does not rule out a prostate origin, as PSA expression is known to decrease as cancer advances.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is diagnostic rather than a routine screening tool, these general tips support prostate health:
- Men aged 50 and above, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, should discuss regular prostate health check-ups with their doctor
- Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and limited processed foods
- Discuss any family history of prostate conditions with your doctor to guide early screening decisions
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- PSA Test Price
The IHC marker- PSA test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital; home collection is not available as the test requires submission of an FFPE tissue block obtained through a clinical procedure. 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
- 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 tissue block or slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The serum PSA blood test measures PSA protein levels circulating in your blood and is typically used for screening. The IHC marker- PSA test detects PSA protein within a tissue sample obtained through biopsy. It is used to confirm whether a tumour is of prostatic origin, which is a different purpose from routine blood-based screening.
The test itself is performed in a laboratory on a tissue sample and involves no discomfort for the patient. However, the biopsy procedure used to collect the tissue may cause some discomfort. Your doctor will explain what to expect during the biopsy and how to manage any discomfort.
No. The IHC marker- PSA test is specific to the prostate gland, which is only present in males. It has no clinical application for women.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is delivered within 7 days. Your test results will be delivered directly via email or WhatsApp.
A positive PSA stain confirms the presence of PSA protein in the tissue, which strongly suggests prostatic origin. However, it does not confirm cancer on its own. Your doctor will review the staining result alongside tissue morphology, clinical findings, imaging, and other tests before arriving at a diagnosis.
PSA expression can decrease as prostate cancer advances. Poorly differentiated tumours and castration-resistant prostate cancers may show weak or absent PSA staining even though the tumour is prostatic in origin. In such cases, your pathologist may recommend additional IHC markers to confirm the diagnosis.
No, the IHC marker- PSA test home collection is not available. The test requires an FFPE tissue block obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure in a clinical setting. You will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre to submit your sample.
IHC Marker- PSA Test: Booking, Price, and Results
