IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Thyroglobulin IHC, TG immunostain, Thyroglobulin immunohistochemistry, Tg IHC marker |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (FFPE block — formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) |
| Fasting Required | No. This test is performed on preserved tissue, not blood or urine |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages, ordered based on clinical suspicion of thyroid tumour |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test?
The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test is a specialised laboratory test that uses targeted antibodies to detect the presence of thyroglobulin protein within a tissue sample. Thyroglobulin is a protein produced exclusively by thyroid follicular cells, making it one of the most reliable indicators of thyroid cell origin. Also known as Thyroglobulin immunohistochemistry or the Tg IHC marker, this test is typically ordered by oncologists or pathologists when examining tumours of uncertain origin or suspected thyroid cancer.
What Does an IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test Measure?
This test examines tissue sections under a microscope after applying thyroglobulin-specific antibodies. The pathologist assesses the presence, intensity and distribution of staining within the cells. The key parameters assessed are listed below.
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Thyroglobulin staining (positive) | Indicates the tumour cells originated from thyroid follicular cells |
| Thyroglobulin staining (negative) | Suggests a non-thyroidal origin or a significant loss of cell differentiation |
| Staining intensity | Recorded as weak, moderate or strong to help characterise the tumour |
| Staining distribution | Cytoplasmic pattern in follicular cells and within thyroid colloid |
Normal thyroid tissue shows strong cytoplasmic staining and is used as a positive control in the laboratory.
Why Is an IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test Done?
The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test helps pathologists classify tumours and confirm their origin when clinical findings alone are insufficient.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may recommend this test after identifying one or more of the following signs:
- A visible or palpable mass in the neck
- Hoarseness or a persistent change in voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Unexplained weight loss
- A metastatic tumour where the primary site is unknown
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Thyroglobulin IHC test supports diagnosis and classification of the following conditions:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma (the most common type of thyroid cancer)
- Follicular thyroid carcinoma
- Poorly differentiated or metastatic thyroid cancers
- Thyroid adenoma (a non-cancerous thyroid tumour)
- Metastatic cancer suspected to have originated from the thyroid gland
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (typically negative for thyroglobulin due to loss of differentiation)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test procedure is performed on tissue collected during a separate biopsy or surgery; therefore, the preparation focuses on providing the right documentation and specimen.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is carried out on a previously collected tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample, so dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure a smooth submission process:
- 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, specifying the biopsy site and reason for the test.
- Submit any existing histopathology reports along with the tissue block or unstained slides.
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRIs, X-rays or PET scans if available.
- Inform the laboratory if you have had previous thyroid surgery or treatment.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The steps below describe how the IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test is carried out from sample submission to result:
- A tissue sample is collected by your treating doctor via needle biopsy, incisional biopsy or surgical removal before the IHC test begins. No separate sample collection is needed for the IHC test itself.
- The tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create an FFPE block. Fixation time is typically 12 to 24 hours.
- Laboratory technicians cut very thin slices of the tissue (around 4 to 5 microns thick) and place them on glass slides.
- A heat or enzyme-based process is used to expose the thyroglobulin proteins that may have been masked during fixation (known as antigen retrieval).
- Thyroglobulin-specific antibodies are applied to the tissue sections. Where thyroglobulin is present, the antibodies bind and produce a visible colour change.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and records the staining pattern, intensity and distribution and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the quality of results:
- Over-fixation or under-fixation of the tissue specimen
- Age and storage conditions of the FFPE block
- Quality of the tissue sample submitted
- Choice of antibody used in the laboratory
- Subjectivity in interpreting staining intensity
- Experience of the examining pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test Results
Results from this test are interpreted qualitatively by a pathologist and must always be reviewed alongside clinical findings, imaging and other immunohistochemical markers. The table below summarises what positive and negative findings generally indicate.
| Result | Likely Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (cytoplasmic staining) | Thyroid follicular cell origin, seen in papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, thyroid adenoma |
| Negative | Non-thyroidal origin, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, or medullary thyroid carcinoma |
| Weak or focal positivity | May be seen in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- In cases of nodular goitre, a false positive result may occur because thyroglobulin can diffuse from surrounding normal thyroid tissue into the tumour area.
- In medullary thyroid carcinoma, occasional weak staining may be seen due to contamination from adjacent thyroid follicles rather than true tumour expression.
- Macrophages in lymph nodes that drain thyroid tumours may also take up thyroglobulin, which can cause misleading staining patterns.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
IHC results are determined by the biological nature of cells, not by lifestyle choices. However, the following general wellness steps support thyroid health:
- Attend regular thyroid check-ups if you have a personal or family history of thyroid disease.
- Report any new neck swelling, lumps or persistent hoarseness to your doctor promptly.
- Follow up with a specialist if thyroid nodules have been identified on imaging.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test Price
The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available, as the test requires pre-collected tissue specimens processed in specialised laboratory conditions.
| 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 for IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test online booking with Lupin Diagnostics:
- 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 FFPE tissue block or unstained slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test is a tissue-based laboratory test that detects thyroglobulin protein in biopsy samples using specific antibodies. It helps pathologists determine whether a tumour has originated from thyroid follicular cells, which is particularly useful when examining metastatic cancers or poorly differentiated tumours.
Tissue is collected by your treating doctor through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy or surgical procedure. The IHC test is then carried out on this previously collected tissue. No additional sample collection is needed specifically for the Thyroglobulin IHC test itself.
No. The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test is one part of a broader diagnostic process. It is used alongside other immunohistochemical markers such as TTF-1 and PAX8, as well as clinical and imaging findings, to help classify tumours accurately. No single marker is sufficient on its own.
Some types of thyroid cancer, such as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, often test negative because the cells have lost their normal differentiation. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is also typically negative for thyroglobulin, as it arises from a different type of thyroid cell (parafollicular C cells) and is instead positive for calcitonin.
No. The IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test examines protein expression within tissue obtained from biopsy. A serum thyroglobulin blood test, by contrast, measures the amount of thyroglobulin circulating in the blood and is commonly used to monitor thyroid cancer after treatment.
Reports are typically delivered within 7 days. The exact turnaround time may vary depending on the number of markers being tested and the complexity of the case. Results will be sent to you digitally via email or WhatsApp, and you should review them with your doctor or a specialist pathologist.
No, IHC marker – Thyroglobulin test home collection is not available. The test requires submission of a previously collected tissue block or slides at a Lupin Diagnostics centre, where they are processed in a specialised laboratory.
IHC Marker – Thyroglobulin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
