IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test
About IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Uroplakin III IHC, UPIII IHC, UP III Immunostain, Uroplakin 3 IHC Marker |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No — fasting is not required; the test is performed on tissue collected during a biopsy |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of any age with suspected urothelial carcinoma or cancer of unknown primary site |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test?
The IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test is a specialised laboratory test that uses immunohistochemistry (a technique that applies antibodies to tissue samples to detect specific proteins) to identify whether a tumour has originated from the urothelium — the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. It detects a protein called uroplakin III, which is naturally produced by urothelial cells. Doctors typically order this test when a cancer's origin is unclear or when bladder cancer is suspected. It is also known as Uroplakin III IHC or UPIII IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test Measure?
This test detects the presence and distribution of the uroplakin III protein within a tissue sample. The table below explains what the results indicate.
| Parameter | Finding | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Uroplakin III Staining | Positive | Suggests the tumour has originated from the urothelium (bladder or urinary tract lining) |
| Uroplakin III Staining | Negative | Does not rule out urothelial origin; may indicate a non-urothelial tumour or loss of protein expression in higher-grade cancers |
Uroplakin III is found on the surface of umbrella cells — the outermost layer of the bladder lining. These proteins help form a protective barrier that prevents urine from leaking into surrounding tissue. When cells become cancerous, this protein may still be expressed, helping pathologists trace the tumour back to its origin.
Why is an IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test Done?
This test is ordered in specific clinical situations where identifying the precise origin of a tumour is essential for treatment planning.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to investigate a possible urothelial tumour, which could then require this test:
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) — the most frequent presenting symptom
- Painful or burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Feeling the need to urinate without being able to do so
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue without a clear cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may request this test to help identify or confirm the following:
- Primary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder or urinary tract
- Metastatic urothelial carcinoma (cancer that has spread from the bladder to other parts of the body)
- Cancer of unknown primary site (CUP), where the original tumour location is not immediately clear
- Distinction between urothelial carcinoma and other cancers such as lung squamous cell carcinoma or prostate carcinoma
- Paget disease of the vulva — to determine whether it is secondary to a urothelial tumour
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test procedure does not require any preparation on the patient's part, as it is performed on tissue that has already been collected. The following sections explain what is involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The test is carried out on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy, not a blood sample. However, if a surgical biopsy is planned, your doctor may give separate fasting or medication instructions specific to that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially blood thinners, as these may affect biopsy safety
- Follow all post-biopsy care instructions provided by your treating doctor
- Ensure that the tissue sample is properly labelled and preserved, as sample quality directly affects result accuracy
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is collected by a medical professional through a biopsy — this may be a fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical removal, depending on the suspected condition.
- The collected tissue is preserved using a chemical fixative (usually formalin) and embedded in paraffin wax to maintain its cellular structure. This is the FFPE block used for testing.
- The preserved block is cut into very thin slices and placed onto glass slides. Antibodies designed to bind specifically to the Uroplakin III protein are applied to the tissue.
- A detection system is added that produces a visible colour change, typically a brown or red stain, wherever the protein is present, allowing it to be seen under a microscope.
- The stained slides are examined by a pathologist (a doctor who specialises in diagnosing disease through laboratory analysis), who assesses the staining pattern and intensity.
- The pathologist prepares a detailed report that is used alongside other clinical and imaging findings to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of this test result:
- Quality of tissue fixation and how well the sample was preserved after biopsy
- Duration of formalin fixation (though research shows prolonged fixation does not significantly alter uroplakin III staining)
- Antibody quality and specificity used in the laboratory
- Tumour grade: higher-grade (poorly differentiated) tumours tend to show reduced protein expression
- Experience and expertise of the interpreting pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test Results
Results from this test are always reviewed by a pathologist alongside clinical history, imaging findings, and other diagnostic markers.
The table below outlines how staining results are generally interpreted.
| Staining Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Indicates urothelial origin; seen in approximately 60% of primary urothelial carcinomas and 53% of metastatic urothelial cases |
| Negative | Does not confirm a non-urothelial origin; sensitivity is approximately 57%, so a negative result requires further evaluation with additional markers |
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
Tumour grade can affect uroplakin III staining. Lower-grade tumours (grade I and II) tend to show stronger, more consistent staining compared to high-grade (grade III) tumours, which may show weak or absent staining. In cases of biologically aggressive bladder cancer, such as those with lymphovascular invasion or higher pathologic stage, uroplakin III expression may be significantly reduced or absent.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is used in cancer diagnosis rather than routine wellness monitoring, the following general habits are known to support urinary tract health:
- Avoid smoking. Research indicates that cigarette smoke may be responsible for up to half of all bladder cancer cases, and quitting significantly reduces risk.
- Minimise exposure to industrial chemicals that have been linked to bladder cancer, including certain dyes and solvents.
- Stay well hydrated and maintain regular urination habits, which helps flush potentially harmful substances from the urinary tract.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test Price
The IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a tissue biopsy sample collected by a medical professional in a clinical setting; 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
Booking your IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test online with Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- 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
This test helps determine whether a tumour has originated from the urothelium — the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. It is particularly useful when the primary site of a cancer is unclear, and it can also help distinguish urothelial carcinoma from other cancer types such as prostate or lung cancer.
No. The IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be performed by a trained medical professional in a clinical setting. The FFPE tissue block is then submitted to the laboratory for processing.
Results are typically available within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. The exact turnaround may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of additional markers being assessed alongside this test.
A positive result suggests that the tumour expresses a protein specific to urothelial cells, indicating that the cancer likely originated in the bladder or urinary tract. Your treating doctor and pathologist will review this finding alongside imaging reports and other test results before confirming a diagnosis.
No. The IHC Marker-Uroplakin III test has a specificity of 100% but a sensitivity of approximately 57%, meaning a negative result does not rule out urothelial origin. Your doctor may order additional markers such as GATA3, CK7, or CK20 or request testing for Uroplakin II, which has a higher sensitivity.
Both markers are used to identify urothelial tumours, but uroplakin II has been shown to have higher sensitivity than uroplakin III in detecting urothelial carcinomas and their variants. Your doctor will determine which marker or combination of markers is most appropriate for your clinical situation.
Yes. A detailed clinical history is required when submitting the tissue sample for this test. This includes your symptoms, previous biopsy or imaging findings, and any other relevant medical background. Providing accurate clinical information helps the pathologist interpret the results correctly.
IHC Marker-Uroplakin III Test
