IHC Marker-SDHB Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-SDHB Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | SDHB immunostain, Succinate Dehydrogenase B IHC, SDHB immunostaining, SDHB with interpretation by IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block or unstained tissue slides (from tumour biopsy or surgical specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No (this test is performed on tissue samples, not blood or body fluids) |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of both genders with suspected paragangliomas, phaeochromocytomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), or SDH-deficient renal carcinomas |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-SDHB Test?
The IHC marker-SDHB test is a specialised laboratory test that uses immunohistochemistry (a technique that applies antibodies to tissue samples to detect specific proteins) to check for the presence or absence of the Succinate Dehydrogenase B (SDHB) protein in tumour tissue. It is typically ordered by oncologists or pathologists when certain tumour types are suspected. The test is also known as SDHB immunostaining or Succinate Dehydrogenase B IHC, and it is performed on tissue that has already been collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure.
What Does an IHC Marker-SDHB Test Measure?
The SDHB test examines tumour tissue to assess specific protein characteristics. The table below summarises what the test analyses.
| Component | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| SDHB protein expression | Whether the Succinate Dehydrogenase B protein, a key part of the cell's energy-producing system (mitochondrial complex II), is present in tumour cells |
| Cellular localisation | Whether staining appears in the correct location inside the cell, typically a granular pattern in the cytoplasm (the fluid inside cells, surrounding the nucleus) |
| Staining status | Whether SDHB protein expression is positive (present), weakly diffuse (partially present), or negative (absent), indicating disruption of normal cell energy function |
Why Is an IHC Marker-SDHB Test Done?
Doctors order the SDHB test when clinical findings or imaging results raise suspicion of certain hereditary tumour conditions. Below are the common reasons this test may be recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test may be recommended in the following clinical situations:
- A family history of paraganglioma or phaeochromocytoma
- An adrenal gland tumour detected on imaging (CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound)
- Head and neck masses under investigation
- Elevated catecholamine levels (hormones produced by the adrenal glands, detected in blood or urine tests)
- Unexplained high blood pressure, particularly in younger patients
- Multiple or multifocal tumours, especially in younger patients
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker-SDHB test helps identify tumours associated with SDH deficiency. These include:
- Paragangliomas (tumours arising from nerve tissue near blood vessels) and phaeochromocytomas (tumours of the adrenal gland), which are often linked to hereditary SDHB or SDHD gene mutations
- Type 2 gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), where SDHB loss distinguishes them from type 1 GISTs and helps guide treatment decisions
- SDH-deficient renal cell carcinoma, a rare kidney cancer subtype recognised by the World Health Organization
- SDH-deficient pituitary adenomas (tumours of the pituitary gland) and certain pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The SDHB test procedure does not require the patient to prepare in the way a blood test would, as the sample is tissue already collected during a prior biopsy or surgery. Here is what you need to know before submitting your sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required, as the test is performed on tissue samples and is not influenced by food intake.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being organised before submission helps ensure the sample is processed correctly. 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.
- No dietary changes or medication adjustments are needed specifically for this test, though you should follow any instructions from the doctor who performed your original biopsy.
- Ensure the tissue block or slides are clearly labelled with your full name and patient identification details.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The SDHB test procedure involves a series of laboratory steps performed on your tissue sample. Here is what happens from sample submission to reporting:
- Tissue through a biopsy or surgery is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax (this is called FFPE processing), which preserves the tissue's structure for analysis.
- Very thin sections (3 to 5 microns thick) are cut from the paraffin block and placed onto specially coated glass slides.
- The slides are processed to remove the paraffin wax and then treated to expose the proteins in the tissue, making them accessible to the antibody.
- A specific antibody is applied to the slides to bind to any SDHB protein present in the tissue.
- A pathologist (a doctor who specialises in examining tissue) reviews the stained slides under a microscope and assesses the staining pattern.
- The pathologist prepares a written report and dispatches it within the stated turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- The length of time the tissue was kept in formalin before processing (fixation time)
- The concentration and type of formalin used (buffered formalin is preferred)
- The age of the paraffin-embedded tissue block
- Whether the internal control tissue within the slide stains correctly, confirming the test has worked
Understanding Your IHC Marker-SDHB Test Results
Your results will be reviewed and signed off by a qualified pathologist. The table below outlines the possible staining outcomes and what they generally indicate.
| Result | Staining Pattern | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Granular cytoplasmic staining in a mitochondrial pattern | Normal SDHB protein expression; SDH-related hereditary syndrome less likely |
| Weak diffuse | Cytoplasmic blush without definite granularity | Indeterminate staining pattern; further evaluation including genetic testing and repeat IHC may be required |
| Negative | No staining in tumour cells, with positive internal control | Indicates loss of SDHB protein expression; suggests an underlying SDH gene mutation and warrants correlation with genetic testing |
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.
Endothelial cells (cells lining blood vessels) typically stain positive for SDHB and are used as an internal control, particularly when testing GIST tumours.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The SDHB test is a diagnostic tool for tumour characterisation rather than a lifestyle-modifiable parameter. That said, the following steps are important after receiving your results:
- If your result is negative, discuss the recommendation for formal genetic testing with your doctor or a genetic counsellor, as this is an important next step.
- If a hereditary SDH mutation is confirmed, first-degree family members may benefit from screening as well.
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your treating oncologist or genetic counsellor.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-SDHB Test Price
The SDHB test costs ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as it involves submission of a tissue block or unstained slides.
| 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 SDHB test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- 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 IHC marker-SDHB test is used to check whether the SDHB protein is present or absent in tumour tissue. It helps screen for potential hereditary SDH gene mutations in patients with specific tumour types, including paragangliomas, phaeochromocytomas, GISTs, and certain kidney cancers. Your doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate for your situation.
The sample used is tissue obtained through a prior biopsy or surgical procedure. You do not need a separate sample collection for this test. You simply need to submit the existing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block or unstained slides to the laboratory.
A negative result means the SDHB protein is absent in the tumour tissue. This indicates a disruption in the mitochondrial complex II pathway and is a strong signal for formal genetic testing to confirm an SDH gene mutation. Your doctor will guide you on the appropriate next steps.
A positive result shows normal granular cytoplasmic staining, meaning the SDHB protein is present and functional. This makes a hereditary SDH-related tumour syndrome less likely, though your doctor will still review the result alongside your full clinical picture before drawing any conclusions.
Yes, clinical history is required for this test. You should bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, prior test results, imaging reports, and relevant family history, when submitting your tissue block. This information helps the pathologist interpret the staining result accurately.
Patients with tumours that display morphological features suggestive of paraganglioma, phaeochromocytoma, GIST, or SDH-deficient renal carcinoma should consider this test. It is also relevant for patients with a known family history of hereditary tumour syndromes. Your oncologist or treating specialist will confirm whether the SDHB test is appropriate for your case.
IHC Marker-SDHB Test: Booking, Price, and Results
