IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC Panel Test, Immunohistochemistry Panel, IHC Final Diagnosis, IHC Diagnosis Panel |
| Sample Type | Tissue sample (from biopsy or surgical excision) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required for the test itself; preparation depends on the biopsy procedure used to collect the tissue |
| Report Time | 5 to 10 working days, depending on the number of markers tested |
| Recommended For | All ages, males and females; typically ordered when cancer is suspected or confirmed and further characterisation is needed |
| Price | Starting at ₹6500 |
What is an IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test?
The IHC final diagnosis panel test uses specially prepared antibodies to detect specific proteins in a tissue sample. A pathologist examines the stained tissue to identify the type, origin, and behaviour of abnormal cells. The sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure and is not collected through a routine blood draw. This test is also known as the IHC panel test or immunohistochemistry panel.
What Does an IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test Measure?
The IHC panel test applies a tailored combination of antibody markers to the tissue, chosen based on the suspected disease. The selection varies by case, but the following are commonly included markers.
| Marker Used | What It Helps Identify |
|---|---|
| CK7, CK20 | Carcinoma type and likely site of origin |
| TTF-1 | Lung adenocarcinoma and certain thyroid cancers |
| CD20, CD3 | B-cell and T-cell lymphoma classification |
| ER, PR, HER2 | Breast cancer subtype and treatment guidance |
| Ki-67 | Tumour growth rate (cell proliferation) |
Why is an IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a biopsy or imaging result raises concern about cancer or an unusual growth, and more detail is needed to make a confident diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may refer a patient for an IHC final diagnosis panel test after one or more of the following symptoms are noted:
- Unexplained weight loss without a clear cause
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- A suspicious lump or mass detected on physical examination
- Changes in bowel habits, blood in the urine
- Persistent cough or coughing up blood
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC diagnosis panel can assist in identifying or classifying several conditions, including:
- Carcinoma of unknown primary site, where cancer is found but its origin is unclear
- Breast cancer subtypes, including hormone receptor status and HER2 classification
- Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Lung cancer subtypes (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, or small cell)
- Melanoma
- Lynch syndrome screening through mismatch repair (MMR) protein testing
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the IHC panel test is performed on tissue already collected through a biopsy, your preparation mainly relates to the biopsy procedure itself.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the immunohistochemistry test itself. However, if the biopsy needed to obtain the tissue sample involves sedation or general anaesthesia, your doctor may ask you to fast beforehand. Always follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare team.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your sample collection:
- Tell your doctor about any blood-thinning medications you take, as these may increase bleeding risk during the biopsy.
- Share your full medical history, including any family history of cancer or autoimmune conditions, so the pathologist can choose the right antibody markers.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully if a biopsy procedure is scheduled.
- Ask your doctor whether any medications should be paused before the biopsy procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tissue sample is collected by a doctor through a fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, or surgical excision, depending on your case.
- The sample is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to hold its structure intact for laboratory analysis.
- The preserved tissue is cut into very thin slices and placed onto microscope slides.
- The slides are treated with heat or chemicals to expose the tissue proteins, a step called antigen retrieval, which allows antibodies to bind properly.
- Specially prepared antibodies are applied to the slides. Each antibody is designed to attach only to one specific protein. Where the protein is present, the antibody binds to it.
- A colour-producing detection agent is added. A brown or red stain appears where the protein is found, making it visible under a microscope. The pathologist examines the slides and prepares your report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Delay in fixing the tissue after collection, as samples left more than 6 hours before fixation may show reduced staining quality
- Poor tissue preservation or overly prolonged fixation
- The quality and specificity of the antibodies used
- The technique applied during antigen retrieval
- Antibody cross-reactivity, which can occasionally produce a misleading positive result
Understanding Your IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test Results
Unlike blood tests that show numerical values, IHC panel test results are reported as qualitative findings. A pathologist interprets the staining patterns to reach a diagnosis. The table below shows how results are generally expressed.
| Result Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Positive | The target protein is present in the tissue cells. This may help identify the type of cancer, confirm a diagnosis, or classify the tumour subtype. |
| Negative | The target protein is absent from the tissue 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 situations can affect the reliability of IHC staining. Your pathologist will account for these when reviewing your sample.
- Tissue specimens that were not fixed promptly after collection may show reduced staining intensity, particularly at the outer edges of the sample.
- Poor preservation or prolonged exposure to fixative can interfere with antigen detection.
- Occasionally, antibodies may bind to unintended proteins (cross-reactivity), which can produce a false positive reading.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because the IHC test is used for diagnosis rather than routine monitoring, general cancer awareness habits are more relevant here than specific targets to maintain.
- Attend regular health check-ups and cancer screenings as advised by your doctor based on your age, gender, and family history.
- Report any unusual changes to your body, such as unexplained lumps, persistent fatigue, or unintended weight loss, to your doctor promptly.
- Follow up with your healthcare provider after receiving results to discuss next steps and what the findings mean for you.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test Price
The IHC final diagnosis panel test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts from approximately ₹6500. The test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹6500 |
| Mumbai | ₹6500 |
| Bengaluru | ₹6500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹6500 |
| Chennai | ₹6500 |
| Kolkata | ₹6500 |
| Pune | ₹6500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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 the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC final diagnosis panel test is used to identify the type and origin of cancer in a tissue sample. It applies a tailored set of antibody markers chosen based on the biopsy site and suspected condition, giving pathologists the detail needed to classify the disease accurately and guide treatment decisions.
The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy, which may be a fine-needle aspiration, a core needle biopsy, or a surgical procedure depending on the location and nature of the suspected growth. Your doctor will advise which method is appropriate for your case.
The laboratory analysis itself involves no discomfort for the patient, as it is performed entirely on the tissue sample. Any mild pain or soreness is usually related to the biopsy procedure used to obtain the sample and typically resolves within a short time.
When carried out with proper quality controls, the IHC panel test is a reliable diagnostic tool. It is widely used to help identify the likely primary site of metastatic cancers when interpreted alongside clinical findings and imaging studies. Accuracy depends on the quality of the tissue sample, the antibodies selected, and the pathologist's expertise.
Yes. An IHC panel test can help guide cancer treatment by identifying the type and origin of the tumour, assessing how aggressive it may be, and detecting specific proteins or biomarkers that can be targeted with specialised therapies.
Inconclusive results can occur when the markers tested do not provide sufficient information to reach a definitive diagnosis. In such cases, your doctor may request additional markers, a repeat biopsy, or supplementary molecular tests to gather the detail needed for a clear diagnosis.
IHC Final Diagnosis Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
