IHC Three Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Three Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Immunohistochemistry 3 Marker Panel, IHC Panel 3, IHC Any 3 Markers, IHC Triple Antigen 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 | Adults and children with suspected tumours or cancers requiring precise diagnosis |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,250 |
What is an IHC Three Antigen Test?
The IHC Three Antigen Test is a specialised laboratory test that uses antibodies to detect three specific proteins in a tissue sample. A pathologist selects the three protein markers based on the clinical question at hand.
Also known as the Immunohistochemistry 3 Marker Panel or IHC Triple Antigen Test, it is commonly ordered after a biopsy to help classify tumours and guide treatment decisions.
What Does an IHC Three Antigen Test Measure?
This test examines the presence and pattern of three protein markers (antigens) within tissue cells. The specific markers are chosen by the pathologist based on the suspected diagnosis. Common examples include the following.
| Marker Category | Examples | What it Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| Tumour origin markers | CK7, CK20, TTF-1 | Helps identify where a cancer started |
| Hormone receptors | Oestrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR) | Important for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment |
| Growth factor receptors | HER2/neu | Guides targeted therapy decisions |
| Proliferation markers | Ki-67 | Shows how quickly tumour cells are dividing |
| Lymphoma markers | CD3, CD20 | Helps classify lymphomas by cell type |
| Prognostic markers | p53, PD-L1 | Provides information on prognosis and immunotherapy eligibility |
Why is an IHC Three Antigen Test Done?
Doctors order the IHC Three Antigen Test when standard microscopy alone cannot fully classify a tumour or identify its origin. The test supports accurate diagnosis and helps determine the best course of care.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms or findings may prompt a doctor to request this test.
- An unexplained lump or mass found on examination or imaging
- Abnormal biopsy findings that require further classification
- Cancer that has spread (metastasised) with an unknown primary site
- Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes without a clear cause
- Persistent, unexplained weight loss
- Family history of cancer with a new tissue diagnosis
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Three Antigen Test procedure helps identify and classify a range of conditions.
- Various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers
- Lymphomas, classified by B-cell or T-cell markers
- Metastatic tumours with an unknown site of origin
- Small clusters of tumour cells not visible on standard staining (haematoxylin and eosin)
- Infectious agents present within tissue samples
- Certain autoimmune conditions affecting the tissue
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC Three Antigen Test is performed on a tissue block rather than a freshly collected blood or urine sample, preparation is minimal. However, some important steps apply before and during the biopsy procedure.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. It is carried out on a tissue sample that has already been collected, so food or drink intake does not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure the process goes smoothly.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor of any medications you take, particularly blood thinners, before the biopsy
- Follow all pre-biopsy instructions given by your healthcare provider
- No dietary changes or medication adjustments are needed specifically for the IHC test itself
Step-by-Step IHC Three Antigen Test Procedure
The IHC Three Antigen Test is performed on tissue that has already been collected via biopsy. Here is what the process involves.
- A doctor performs a biopsy to collect the tissue. The method varies: a needle biopsy, surgical removal, or endoscopic sampling, depending on tumour location.
- The collected tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve its structure and prevent breakdown. Fixation typically takes around 24 hours.
- The fixed tissue is embedded in paraffin wax, then cut into very thin sections for laboratory processing.
- Specialised antibodies are applied to the tissue sections. These antibodies bind to the target proteins and are labelled with a coloured dye, so they become visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained sections under the microscope and interprets the distribution and intensity of each marker.
- The FFPE tissue block is transported to the laboratory at ambient temperature (18 to 28°C), and the final report is prepared within 7 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of IHC results.
- Delay in fixing the tissue after collection (longer than 6 hours can reduce staining quality)
- Inadequate formalin fixation, which can mask the target proteins
- Improper tissue handling or storage before the block reaches the laboratory
- The type of antibody used and the antigen retrieval method applied
- Variation in the time between tissue removal and fixation
Understanding Your IHC Three Antigen Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed with a doctor who knows your full clinical history. Unlike blood tests, there are no numerical reference ranges. Instead, each marker is assessed for its presence and intensity in the tissue cells.
| Result Category | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | The marker protein is detected in the tissue cells |
| Negative | The marker protein is not detected |
| Weakly Positive | A low level of marker expression is present |
| Strongly Positive | A high level of marker expression is present |
| Equivocal (2+) | A borderline result; further testing, such as FISH, may be needed |
These categories are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your clinical history, the specific markers tested, and other diagnostic findings. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can alter the reliability of IHC results.
Delay between tissue removal and fixation is a key variable. Tissue left unfixed for more than 6 hours may show reduced staining intensity and affect result accuracy.
Additionally, over-fixation with formalin can cross-link proteins and partially mask the target antigens, which may influence the final interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because this is a diagnostic test rather than a routine monitoring test, the following tips relate to supporting your overall care.
- Follow all post-biopsy care instructions provided by your doctor
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your specialist or oncologist
- Discuss your IHC results in detail with your doctor so you understand what each marker finding means for your care plan
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Three Antigen Test Price
The IHC Three Antigen Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,250. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available as it involves a specialised tissue block specimen. The table below shows indicative prices across major cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4250 |
| CHENNAI | 4250 |
| HYDERABAD | 4250 |
| KOLKATA | 4250 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4250 |
| PUNE | 4250 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Select the IHC Three Antigen 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 biopsy specimen.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Three Antigen Test uses specialised antibodies to detect three specific proteins in a tissue sample. A pathologist selects the markers based on the clinical question, and the results help classify tumours, identify their origin, and support treatment decisions.
Doctors may order this test when routine microscopy cannot clearly classify a tumour, when cancer has spread and the primary site is unknown, or to assess eligibility for targeted therapies such as anti-HER2 treatment.
The tissue is collected through a biopsy procedure, which may be a needle biopsy, surgical excision, or endoscopic sampling depending on tumour location. The test is then performed on the already-collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimen in the laboratory.
No special preparation is required for the test itself. However, patients should provide a detailed clinical history when submitting the sample and follow all instructions given by the doctor for the biopsy procedure.
Results are typically available within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the sample. Turnaround time may vary depending on case complexity and the number of markers analysed.
A positive result indicates that the specific protein was detected in the tissue sample, while a negative result means it was not detected. The clinical significance depends on the specific markers used and must be interpreted by a pathologist alongside other diagnostic findings.
Yes, the cost may vary depending on the city, laboratory, and the specific marker combination used. At Lupin Diagnostics, the test starts at ₹4,250. Patients should confirm the current price at the time of booking.
IHC Three Antigen Test: Booking, Price, and Results
