IHC Marker- S100: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- S100: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | S-100 Protein IHC, S100 Protein Immunostain, IHC-S100, S-100 Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block from biopsy |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; typically ordered when melanoma, nerve sheath tumours, or other specific cancers are suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is a IHC Marker- S100?
The IHC marker- S100 is a specialised tissue test used to detect the presence of the S100 protein in a biopsy sample. It is performed using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), where antibodies are applied to tissue slices to reveal whether a specific protein is present. Doctors order this test to help identify the type of tumour in a tissue sample. It is also known as the S100 Protein Immunostain or S-100 Immunohistochemistry.
What Does a IHC Marker- S100 Measure?
The IHC marker- S100 test detects the S100 protein in tissue cells. This protein is normally found in a range of cell types, including nerve-supporting cells (Schwann cells), pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), cartilage cells, fat cells, and certain immune cells. Its presence or absence in abnormal tissue helps the pathologist narrow down what type of tumour or condition is present.
Results are reported in a qualitative format, not as numbers. The following aspects are assessed:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| S100 Protein Expression | Whether the protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tissue |
| Staining Intensity | How strongly the protein is expressed: weak, moderate, or strong |
| Staining Distribution | How widely the positive cells are spread: focal (limited area) or diffuse (widespread) |
Why is a IHC Marker- S100 Done?
A doctor may order the IHC S100 test when a biopsy has been taken and a diagnosis needs to be confirmed. It helps classify tumours that could arise from several different cell types.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Suspicious skin lesions or moles that are changing in size, shape, or colour
- A lump or soft tissue mass that needs further investigation
- Enlarged lymph nodes with no clear cause
- Unexplained nerve-related symptoms such as numbness or pain
- Soft tissue swellings in any part of the body
- A tumour of unknown origin identified on imaging
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker- S100 is used to investigate a range of tumours. It can help identify:
- Malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer), for which S100 is a highly sensitive marker
- Nerve sheath tumours such as schwannomas and neurofibromas
- Brain tumours including gliomas and ependymomas
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis (involving abnormal immune cells)
- Cartilage tumours such as chondromas and chondrosarcomas
- Clear cell sarcoma (a rare soft tissue cancer)
- Certain breast carcinomas and myoepithelial tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the IHC marker- S100 test procedure itself. Since the test is performed on a tissue block already obtained through biopsy, there is no additional collection required from the patient.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test analyses a tissue sample, not blood or urine, so food and drink intake does not affect the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before submitting your sample or attending your appointment, keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry your doctor's referral letter, which should mention the biopsy site and diagnosis being investigated
- Bring any existing histopathology or pathology reports, especially if you are submitting an existing paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays
- Inform your doctor about all current medications before the biopsy is performed
- Follow any specific preparation instructions given by your surgeon or pathologist
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker- S100 test procedure begins at the point of biopsy. Here is what happens:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal; no separate procedure is needed for the IHC analysis itself.
- The tissue is placed in formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block (FFPE block), which is the sample submitted to the laboratory.
- A precision instrument called a microtome cuts very thin slices from the tissue block.
- These slices are treated with antibodies that are specific to the S100 protein.
- A colour change (staining) occurs wherever the S100 protein is present in the tissue.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and reports on the expression, intensity, and distribution of the protein.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain technical and sample-related factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Prolonged formalin fixation can reduce protein detection, potentially affecting findings
- Poorly preserved or necrotic (dead) tissue may produce inconsistent staining
- S100 protein is highly soluble and may be lost from frozen tissue during processing; FFPE blocks are preferred
- Technical errors during biopsy collection or laboratory processing
- Quality of the antibodies used in the staining procedure
Understanding Your IHC Marker- S100 Results
Results of the IHC marker- S100 should always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist or oncologist alongside other clinical findings. Unlike blood tests, this test produces a descriptive report rather than numbers.
| Parameter | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| S100 Protein Expression | Protein detected in tissue cells | Protein not detected |
| Staining Intensity | Weak, moderate, or strong | Not applicable |
| Staining Distribution | Focal or diffuse | Not applicable |
A positive result suggests that S100-expressing cells are present, which may support a diagnosis of melanoma, a nerve sheath tumour, or another S100-associated condition. A negative result makes these diagnoses less likely, but does not completely exclude them.
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
Because the S100 protein is expressed in many different cell types, a positive result alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. Melanocytes, Schwann cells, fat cells, cartilage cells, and certain immune cells all express S100, which limits its specificity. Doctors routinely use S100 as part of a panel of markers that may include Melan-A and vimentin to reach a more accurate diagnosis. Tissue processing issues such as over-fixation or poor preservation may also lead to a false negative result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a diagnostic test rather than a routine health screen, general skin health awareness is relevant for those at risk:
- Monitor skin regularly for new or changing moles, and seek prompt medical review if you notice any unusual lesions
- Protect skin from excessive UV exposure by using sunscreen and protective clothing
- Consider regular dermatological check-ups if you have a family history of melanoma or a large number of moles
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- S100 Price
The IHC marker- S100 test starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available because the sample is a tissue block obtained through a biopsy procedure.
| 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 the IHC marker- S100 test online is straightforward:
- 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 coordinate with your surgeon for direct sample dispatch.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker- S100 test helps pathologists determine whether specific cells in a tissue sample express the S100 protein. It is used to support the diagnosis of conditions such as malignant melanoma, nerve sheath tumours, and certain cartilage or soft tissue tumours. It is an important part of tumour classification in histopathology.
The sample is a tissue block obtained through a biopsy performed by your doctor. This may be a needle biopsy, an incisional biopsy, or a surgical removal. No separate or additional procedure is required specifically for the IHC S100 test; the same biopsy tissue is used for the IHC analysis.
No fasting or physical preparation is needed. You should bring your doctor's referral letter, any previous histopathology reports, and relevant imaging results. A detailed clinical history is required for accurate reporting, so ensure this information accompanies your sample.
The S100 protein is highly sensitive for melanoma, but it is not specific. Many other cell types also express S100, so a positive result alone cannot confirm melanoma. Pathologists use it as part of a panel of markers, which may include Melan-A, to reach a more definitive diagnosis.
The IHC marker- S100 test has a turnaround time of 7 days at Lupin Diagnostics. This allows time for tissue processing, staining, microscopy, and pathologist review. Turnaround times may vary slightly depending on sample quality and scheduling.
The IHC analysis itself carries no direct risk. However, since the test requires a tissue sample obtained through biopsy, there are some risks associated with the biopsy procedure, such as minor bleeding, bruising, or the possibility of infection at the biopsy site. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
A negative result means the S100 protein was not detected in the tissue sample. This makes diagnoses such as melanoma or nerve sheath tumours less likely. However, a negative result does not completely exclude these conditions, and your doctor will consider it alongside other test results and clinical findings before reaching a conclusion.
IHC Marker- S100: Booking, Price, and Results
