IHC Marker- Single: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- Single: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC Single Marker, Immunohistochemistry Single Marker, Single IHC Stain, IHC Marker Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No – this test is performed on a tissue sample, not blood |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and age groups, as clinically indicated |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker- Single?
The IHC Marker- Single test is a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect one specific protein in a tissue sample. It is short for immunohistochemistry, a method pathologists use to examine biopsy or surgical tissue. Doctors commonly order this test when a routine biopsy cannot provide a clear diagnosis on its own. The IHC Marker- Single test is also known as a Single IHC Stain or Immunohistochemistry Single Marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker- Single Test Measure?
This test identifies the presence, location, and amount of one target protein within tissue cells. The specific protein tested depends on the clinical question being asked. Here are some commonly tested markers:
| Marker | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| ER (Oestrogen Receptor) | Whether a breast tumour is hormone-sensitive |
| PR (Progesterone Receptor) | Helps guide hormone therapy decisions in breast cancer |
| HER2 | Identifies patients who may benefit from HER2-targeted therapies |
| Ki-67 | Measures how rapidly tumour cells are dividing |
| CD Markers (e.g., CD3, CD20, CD138) | Identifies cell types in lymphoma and blood cancers |
| Cytokeratins | Helps identify carcinomas and some sarcomas |
| PD-L1 | Evaluates eligibility for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy |
Why is an IHC Marker- Single Test Done?
Doctors order this test to get detailed information about tissue abnormalities that standard microscopy cannot fully explain. It plays a key role in diagnosing and classifying diseases, particularly cancers.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following findings or symptoms often prompt a doctor to request an IHC Marker- Single test:
- An unexplained lump or mass detected on physical examination or imaging
- Suspicious or inconclusive findings on a routine biopsy
- A tumour of unknown origin that needs to be traced back to its primary site
- Abnormal cells identified during standard histopathology examination
- Evaluation before starting targeted cancer therapy
- Assessment of how aggressively a tumour is likely to behave
- Monitoring eligibility for specific treatment protocols
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test assists in identifying a wide range of conditions. These include:
- Breast cancer subtypes, based on hormone receptor status and HER2 expression
- Various cancers that appear similar under standard microscopy
- Cancer of unknown primary, where the original site of a spread cancer is unclear
- Lymphomas and other blood cancers, classified for appropriate treatment selection
- Sarcomas, including specific subtypes of soft tissue and bone cancers
- Certain viral or bacterial infections within tissue samples
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions linked to immune system markers
- Neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed from the patient for the IHC Marker- Single test procedure, as it is carried out on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue block, not on a blood or urine sample. Dietary intake has no bearing on the results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
When submitting a tissue block or slides for this test, keep the following points 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 clearly
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking
- Note that you do not need to visit the lab for a new sample if a paraffin block or slides from a previous biopsy are already available
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is how the IHC Marker- Single test procedure is carried out from tissue collection to result:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal, depending on the clinical situation.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block (this is the FFPE block submitted to the laboratory).
- Very thin slices of the tissue block are cut using a precision instrument called a microtome.
- The tissue slices are placed on glass slides and treated with specific antibodies that bind to the target protein.
- These antibodies are linked to a detectable marker (an enzyme or fluorescent dye) that makes the target protein visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and prepares the final report, which is delivered within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors during tissue handling and laboratory processing can influence the reliability of results:
- Duration and quality of tissue fixation in formalin (both underfixation and overfixation can distort results)
- Delay between tissue collection and the start of fixation (known as ischaemic time)
- Drying of tissue or air bubbles in laboratory reagents
- Condition and storage of the antibody reagents used
- Completeness of tissue dehydration during processing
- The specific type of antibody and antigen retrieval method used
Understanding Your IHC Marker- Single Test Results
Results from the IHC Marker- Single test are not reported as numerical values. Instead, a pathologist evaluates the staining pattern and provides a qualitative interpretation. Always review your results with your treating doctor or oncologist.
| Parameter | Interpretation | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Presence | Positive or Negative | Qualitative assessment |
| Staining Intensity | 0, 1+, 2+, 3+ | Semi-quantitative scale |
| Percentage of Cells Staining | 0 to 100% | Percentage positive |
For ER and PR markers, a positive result is defined as nuclear staining in more than 1% of tumour cells. For HER2, scores of 0 and 1+ are considered negative, while a score of 3+ (strong membranous staining) is considered positive. Interpretation follows established ASCO/CAP guidelines.
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
Tissue handling before fixation can affect test reliability. A prolonged interval between tissue removal and placement in formalin allows enzymatic breakdown of proteins, which can reduce the detectability of markers such as ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67. Incomplete fixation may cause protein degradation, while excessive fixation can mask the part of the protein that the antibody needs to recognise, leading to a false negative result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a diagnostic test rather than a screening or monitoring tool, general cancer prevention habits remain important:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and keep to a healthy body weight
- Avoid tobacco in all forms, limit alcohol, and engage in regular physical activity
- Attend routine health check-ups so that any abnormal tissue changes can be identified early
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- Single Price
The IHC Marker- Single test starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| 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 to book your IHC Marker- Single test online:
- 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- Single test uses antibodies to detect one specific protein in a tissue sample taken from a biopsy or surgery. It helps pathologists identify the type, origin, and behaviour of abnormal cells, particularly in cancer diagnosis. The technique is formally known as immunohistochemistry.
Doctors order this test when a routine biopsy does not provide enough information to make a clear diagnosis. It is particularly useful for identifying the type of cancer, determining whether a tumour expresses specific receptors, and deciding whether a patient is eligible for targeted therapies.
Tissue is collected by your doctor through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. No separate collection procedure is needed for the IHC analysis itself. If a paraffin-embedded block or slides from a previous biopsy are already available, you can submit those directly.
The report is delivered within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue sample. The turnaround time accounts for tissue processing, staining, and pathologist review. Complex cases may take slightly longer.
Yes. The IHC Marker- Single test can detect organ-specific proteins that help trace a metastatic cancer back to its original site, even when the primary tumour has not been located. This information is important for planning the right treatment approach.
Not always. Some results may be borderline or unclear, and additional molecular tests or a second specialist review may be needed before a final diagnosis is made. Your oncologist or pathologist will advise on next steps based on the overall clinical picture.
Bring your doctor's referral letter with the biopsy site details and a brief clinical history. Also carry any existing histopathology reports, relevant imaging reports (CT scan, MRI, PET scan), and a list of your current medications. A detailed clinical history is required for accurate interpretation of the results.
IHC Marker- Single: Booking, Price, and Results
