IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC Marker Synaptophysin, Synaptophysin Immunohistochemistry, Synaptophysin Biopsy Tissue, SYP IHC |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily for patients with suspected neuroendocrine tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test?
The IHC marker Synaptophysin test is a specialised laboratory analysis performed on a tissue biopsy sample. It uses an immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique, which involves applying antibodies to tissue to detect specific proteins, in this case, the synaptophysin protein. Doctors order this test to check whether a tumour contains neuroendocrine or neuronal cells. It is also known as Synaptophysin Immunohistochemistry or SYP IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test Measure?
The test detects synaptophysin, a protein found in small vesicles (tiny sacs) within nerve and neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells are specialised cells that release hormones in response to nerve signals. Here is what the test evaluates:
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Synaptophysin protein expression | Whether neuroendocrine or neuronal cells are present in the tissue sample |
| Staining pattern | The distribution and intensity of synaptophysin within the tumour cells |
The result is reported as either positive (synaptophysin detected) or negative (synaptophysin not detected), helping the pathologist classify the tumour type.
Why Is an IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a tumour may have originated from neuroendocrine or nerve tissue. It plays a key role in confirming the tumour type after a biopsy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend the IHC marker Synaptophysin test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Abdominal pain or change in bowel habits
- Flushing (sudden warmth and redness of the face and neck)
- Wheezing or breathing difficulty
- Diarrhoea without a clear cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Synaptophysin IHC test helps identify a range of tumours arising from neuroendocrine and nerve tissue, including:
- Neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma (tumours of nerve tissue)
- Phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (tumours of adrenal and nerve tissue)
- Carcinoid tumours and neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract
- Pituitary adenomas, islet cell tumours, and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid
- Merkel cell carcinoma and parathyroid adenomas
- Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs) and medulloblastoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test. However, you should ensure the tissue sample is collected and submitted correctly. Here is what you need to know before submitting your sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC Marker Synaptophysin test. The test is performed on a tissue block, not a blood or urine sample, so dietary preparation is not necessary.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when arranging your tissue sample submission:
- 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 mentioning the biopsy site
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if submitting a previously prepared paraffin block
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans
- Inform your doctor about all current and past medications and any known allergies
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker Synaptophysin test procedure involves several steps from tissue collection to result reporting:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal of tissue.
- The tissue is immediately placed in formalin to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block to form an FFPE block.
- A precision instrument called a microtome cuts the block into very thin slices, which are placed onto glass slides.
- The tissue slices are treated with antibodies that bind specifically to the synaptophysin protein.
- The slides are processed to reveal where the antibodies have attached, creating a visible staining pattern.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and reports whether the staining is positive or negative.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors related to tissue handling can influence the reliability of the Synaptophysin IHC result:
- Delayed fixation of tissue before processing can significantly reduce staining quality
- Prolonged exposure to formalin may cross-link proteins and reduce marker detection
- Tissue damaged by necrosis (cell death) may produce inconsistent staining
- The antigen retrieval technique and detection system used in the laboratory can affect outcomes
- Environmental factors may affect the electrical charge on glass slides, altering the staining
Understanding Your IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test Results
Results should always be reviewed by a qualified specialist, such as an oncologist or pathologist, in the context of your full clinical picture. The table below shows how results are generally interpreted.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive staining | Synaptophysin detected; suggests neuroendocrine or neuronal differentiation in the tumour |
| Negative staining | Synaptophysin not detected; suggests absence of neuroendocrine differentiation in the tested cells |
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 pre-analytical conditions can affect the reliability of findings:
- Delayed tissue fixation reduces the quality of synaptophysin staining and may lead to a false-negative result.
- Prolonged formalin fixation or significant tissue necrosis may affect the reliability of the staining pattern.
- Environmental factors affecting the electrical charge on glass slides may alter staining uniformity.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test rather than a monitoring test, lifestyle changes do not alter its results. The following tips help ensure the test process goes smoothly:
- Ensure the tissue sample is fixed and transported to the laboratory promptly after collection
- Store and submit the FFPE tissue block at ambient temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius)
- Discuss all findings with your specialist for proper interpretation and next steps
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker Synaptophysin Price
The IHC Marker Synaptophysin test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,920. This test requires a centre visit; home collection is not available, as the FFPE tissue block must be submitted directly to the laboratory.
| 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
Follow these steps to book your IHC Marker Synaptophysin test online at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker Synaptophysin test is used to detect whether a tumour contains neuroendocrine or neuronal cells. It helps pathologists classify tumours such as neuroblastoma, carcinoid tumours, pituitary adenomas, and other neuroendocrine cancers. The test is typically ordered after a biopsy has been taken.
The tissue sample is collected by a doctor through a biopsy, which may be a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. Once the FFPE tissue block is prepared, it is submitted to the laboratory for the Synaptophysin IHC analysis. No separate collection procedure is needed solely for the IHC test.
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a preserved tissue block, not on blood or urine, so there are no dietary restrictions before submission.
A positive result means the synaptophysin protein was detected in the tissue sample. This suggests the tumour may have neuroendocrine or neuronal origins, such as a neuroblastoma, carcinoid tumour, or pituitary adenoma. Your doctor or oncologist will interpret the finding alongside other clinical and pathological data.
Yes, the IHC Marker Synaptophysin test can be performed on patients of all ages, including children. Neuroblastoma, one of the conditions this test can help identify, is more commonly seen in young children, making it relevant across age groups.
Synaptophysin is one of the most sensitive markers for neuroendocrine tumours. Studies indicate a sensitivity of around 96% for neuroendocrine tumours and approximately 89% for neuroendocrine carcinomas, making it a widely used marker in tumour diagnosis.
The IHC analysis itself carries no direct risk. However, because it requires a tissue biopsy, there may be minor risks linked to the biopsy procedure, such as localised bleeding or infection at the biopsy site. Your doctor will explain these risks before the procedure is carried out.
IHC Marker Synaptophysin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
