IHC Marker-SATB2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-SATB2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | SATB2 Immunostain, Special AT-rich Sequence-Binding Protein 2 IHC, SATB2 IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block (from biopsy or surgical specimen) |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable — this test is performed on a tissue sample, not blood |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender; typically ordered when investigating tumours of unknown origin, suspected colorectal cancer, or bone tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-SATB2 Test?
The IHC marker-SATB2 test is a specialised pathology test that detects a protein called SATB2 (Special AT-rich Sequence-Binding Protein 2) in tumour tissue. It uses a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which applies targeted antibodies to a tissue sample to reveal whether this protein is present. Doctors order this test mainly to identify where a cancer originated, particularly when it has spread to other parts of the body. It is also known as the SATB2 immunostain or SATB2 IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker-SATB2 Test Measure?
The SATB2 test detects the presence of the SATB2 protein in tumour cells. SATB2 is a transcription factor that plays an important role in regulating gene activity within cells and is normally found in certain tissues, particularly those of the lower gastrointestinal tract and bone.
The test works by applying SATB2-specific antibodies to thin slices of tissue. When these antibodies bind to the protein, a colour reaction makes it visible under a microscope. The table below summarises what the test measures:
| Component | What It Tells the Pathologist |
|---|---|
| SATB2 protein expression | Indicates whether tumour cells express SATB2, helping identify the tumour's likely tissue of origin and supporting the diagnosis of certain cancers, particularly colorectal and bone tumours. |
Why Is an IHC Marker-SATB2 Test Done?
This test is ordered when a pathologist or oncologist needs more information about the nature or origin of a tumour. It is not a routine screening test; it is used in specific clinical situations.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test after a biopsy when the following are present:
- A known cancer that has spread to another part of the body, with the original site unclear
- Unexplained abdominal or pelvic mass discovered on imaging
- Persistent or unexplained rectal bleeding
- Suspected bone tumour with an unclear diagnosis
- A tumour that does not match any single obvious cancer type on routine analysis
- Unexplained weight loss alongside abnormal imaging findings
- Abnormal tissue findings during surgery requiring further classification
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The SATB2 IHC test helps identify or differentiate several cancer types, including:
- Colorectal carcinoma (cancer of the colon or rectum)—when combined with the Keratin 20 marker
- Osteosarcoma (primary bone cancer)—a high percentage of osteosarcomas show a positive result for SATB2
- Neuroendocrine tumours of the lower gastrointestinal tract, including rectal and appendiceal tumours
- Carcinomas of unknown primary site (CUP), where identifying the tumour origin guides treatment planning
- Differentiating ovarian carcinoma from colorectal carcinoma (fewer than 5% of ovarian carcinomas test positive for SATB2)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue obtained during a biopsy or surgery, there is no physical preparation required from the patient on the day of testing. However, submitting the correct documentation is essential.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required. This test is performed on a tissue block from a previously collected biopsy or surgical specimen, not on a blood or urine sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your tissue sample is submitted to the laboratory:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor of any prior treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy) that may have affected the tissue.
- Confirm with your treating doctor that the correct tissue block is being sent, especially if multiple biopsies were taken.
- Inform your doctor or surgical team if there have been any delays in processing the sample, as this can affect the tissue quality.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The SATB2 test procedure involves laboratory processing of your tissue sample. Here is what happens after the specimen is collected:
- A tissue sample obtained during a prior biopsy or surgical procedure is preserved (fixed) in formalin to prevent degradation, then embedded in paraffin wax to create a firm block.
- Very thin slices (typically 3 to 5 micrometres thick) are cut from the block and placed onto specially prepared glass slides.
- The wax is removed from the slides in a process called deparaffinisation, and the tissue proteins are exposed through antigen retrieval.
- Slides are treated with SATB2-specific antibodies. These antibodies attach to the SATB2 protein wherever it is present and carry a coloured dye that makes it visible.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope to assess whether SATB2 is present and how strongly it is expressed.
- The findings are documented in a report, which is interpreted alongside the patient's clinical history, imaging results, and other diagnostic information.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of the SATB2 IHC result:
- Inadequate tissue fixation (e.g., tissue not placed in formalin promptly after collection)
- Necrotic (dead) or degenerated tissue, which may stain nonspecifically
- Poor antigen retrieval during laboratory processing
- Insufficient tissue volume in the sample
- Antibody quality used during the staining process
Understanding Your IHC Marker-SATB2 Test Results
Results of the SATB2 IHC test should always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist alongside the full clinical history. The table below summarises what each outcome generally indicates.
| Result | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | SATB2 protein is present in the tumour cells, supporting an origin in the colon, rectum, appendix, or bone when interpreted alongside other pathological findings |
| Negative | SATB2 was not detected, making an origin in the lower gastrointestinal tract or bone less likely |
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
SATB2 is a diagnostic marker used in cancer evaluation, not a value that fluctuates with lifestyle choices. However, the following general tips support colorectal health:
- Adults aged 45 and above, or those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should discuss regular screening such as a colonoscopy with their doctor.
- Consult a doctor promptly if you experience persistent abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.
- A diet with adequate fibre, vegetables, and limited processed meats is generally associated with lower colorectal cancer risk.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-SATB2 Test Price
The SATB2 test costs ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission through your treating hospital, as home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Here is how to book the SATB2 test online or in person:
- Select the IHC marker-SATB2 test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for tissue sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-SATB2 test helps pathologists determine where a tumour originated. It is particularly useful for identifying colorectal cancer and bone tumours, or for tracing the primary site of a cancer that has already spread. It is not a routine or screening test.
No separate sample collection is needed on the day of the SATB2 test. The test is performed on tissue that has already been collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. The tissue block is simply submitted to the laboratory for processing.
A positive result means that SATB2 protein was detected in the tumour cells. This suggests the tumour may have started in the colon, rectum, appendix, or bone. A pathologist will interpret this finding together with clinical history, imaging, and other markers before drawing any conclusion.
No. While SATB2 is a strong marker for colorectal and appendiceal tumours, it is also reliably expressed in osteosarcoma and certain neuroendocrine tumours of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Pathologists typically use a panel of markers together for a complete assessment.
No fasting or physical preparation is needed. However, a detailed clinical history is required when submitting the specimen. Ensure the tissue block has been properly fixed in formalin and is stored away from excessive heat before transport to the lab.
Yes. The SATB2 test is often ordered as part of an IHC panel. For example, combining SATB2 with the Keratin 20 marker can help identify colorectal carcinomas. Your pathologist or oncologist will decide which combination of markers is most appropriate for your case.
IHC Marker-SATB2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
