Custom IHC Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Custom IHC Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IHC Markers Test, Immunohistochemistry Panel, Specialised IHC Panel, Custom Immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Tissue biopsy (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block or fresh tissue specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 to 10 working days (varies by panel complexity) |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; typically ordered when cancer is suspected or a diagnosis is unclear |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,800 |
What Is a Custom IHC Panel Test?
A Custom IHC Panel test is a specialised laboratory test that examines tissue samples for specific proteins using targeted antibody stains. The pathologist selects the combination of markers based on the patient's clinical history and the suspected diagnosis.
Also known as the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Panel test or IHC Markers test, this test is performed on tissue obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. It is not a routine screening test; it is ordered when standard tissue examination alone cannot provide a clear diagnosis.
What Does a Custom IHC Panel Test Measure?
The Specialised IHC Panel test identifies which proteins are present (or absent) in tissue cells. A pathologist tailors the panel to the clinical question at hand. The markers below are commonly included, though the exact set varies from case to case:
| Marker | What It Identifies |
|---|---|
| Cytokeratins (CK7, CK20, pan-cytokeratin) | Proteins in epithelial cells; help identify carcinomas |
| Vimentin | Present in most sarcomas and melanomas; helps classify tumour origin |
| CD markers (CD3, CD20, CD45, CD30) | Identify specific blood cell types; used to diagnose lymphomas |
| Hormone receptors (ER, PR) | Oestrogen and progesterone receptors; important for breast cancer assessment |
| HER2 | Indicates the rate of potential cancer cell growth; guides therapy decisions |
| Ki-67 | Measures the proportion of actively dividing tumour cells |
| TTF-1, CDX-2, PSA, and organ-specific markers | Help trace the tissue of origin when cancer has spread |
Why Is a Custom IHC Panel Test Done?
A Custom IHC Panel test is ordered when routine biopsy findings are unclear or when a precise diagnosis is needed to guide treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- Unexplained lumps or masses detected on imaging or physical examination
- Abnormal biopsy findings that routine histopathology cannot classify
- Enlarged lymph nodes with no clear cause
- Suspected lymphoma or blood cancer
- Metastatic cancer with no identified primary site
- Inconclusive histopathology from a previous biopsy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Panel test can help identify or clarify a range of conditions, including:
- Breast cancer subtype and hormone receptor status (ER/PR positive or negative)
- Cancers of unknown primary origin (in 2-8% of all cancer cases, no primary tumour is initially identified)
- Lymphomas and leukaemias, distinguishing B-cell from T-cell origin
- Melanomas
- Sarcomas (cancers arising from connective tissue)
- Neuroendocrine tumours
- Specific cancer subtypes such as adenocarcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Custom IHC Panel test requires minimal preparation from the patient, as it is performed on tissue that has already been collected through a biopsy.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the IHC test itself, as it uses tissue samples rather than blood. However, if a biopsy procedure requiring anaesthesia has been scheduled, your doctor will provide separate fasting instructions for that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before submitting a tissue sample for IHC Markers test analysis:
- Carry your doctor's referral letter, which should include the biopsy site and a brief clinical history.
- Bring any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a paraffin block.
- Include relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
- Follow any specific preparation instructions provided by your surgeon or pathologist.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens from tissue collection through to your report:
- A tissue sample is obtained by your doctor through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal; no separate collection is needed for the IHC test.
- The tissue is placed in formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block.
- Very thin slices of the tissue block are cut using a precision instrument called a microtome.
- The sections are treated with specific antibodies, which bind to the target proteins in the tissue.
- The next set of steps includes antigen retrieval, antibody incubation, washing, and counterstaining, which are carried out in the laboratory.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of your Custom IHC Panel test results:
- Delayed or improper fixation of the tissue sample after collection
- Prolonged exposure to formalin, which can mask certain proteins and reduce detection accuracy
- Tissue necrosis (dead tissue within the sample)
- Prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiation, which may alter protein expression
- The quality of antibodies used and the laboratory's accreditation and quality controls
Understanding Your Custom IHC Panel Test Results
Unlike blood tests, the Specialised IHC Panel test does not produce numerical values. Results are reported based on the presence, intensity, and extent of staining observed under the microscope. Always review your results with your treating doctor, who will interpret them alongside your clinical history and imaging findings.
| Parameter | How It Is Reported |
|---|---|
| Expression status | Positive (+) or Negative (−); indicates whether a marker is present |
| Staining intensity | Weak, Moderate, or Strong; assessed visually under the microscope |
| Percentage of cells staining | 0% to 100%; shows the proportion of cells expressing the marker |
| ER/PR (hormone receptors) | Reported as a percentage (0% to 100% of cells staining positive) |
| HER2 | Scored 0 to 3+; 0 to 1+ is negative, 2+ is borderline, 3+ is positive |
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 circumstances can affect how accurately the tissue stains and how results are interpreted.
Prolonged formalin fixation can cross-link proteins in the tissue and reduce the detection of specific markers, potentially affecting the reliability of findings. Tissue that has been damaged by necrosis or that has been poorly preserved may show inconsistent staining, making interpretation more difficult.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since this is a diagnostic test rather than a monitoring or screening tool, general lifestyle habits do not directly affect test results. However, a few sensible steps support your overall health:
- Attend regular health check-ups and consult a doctor promptly if you notice any unusual lumps, persistent swelling, or unexplained changes in your body.
- Follow the cancer screening guidelines recommended for your age group and personal risk factors.
- Keep a record of all your medical reports, imaging scans, and biopsy results to share with your healthcare team.
Lupin Diagnostics Custom IHC Panel Test Price
The Custom IHC Panel test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home sample collection is not available for this test. Pricing varies depending on the city.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹6,800 |
| Bangalore | ₹9,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹9,000 |
| Chennai | ₹9,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹9,000 |
| Pune | ₹9,000 |
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 Custom IHC Panel test is used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples to help diagnose cancers, identify their type and origin, and support treatment planning. It is particularly useful when a routine biopsy cannot provide a clear diagnosis on its own.
Tissue is collected through a biopsy, which may be a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. The IHC Markers test is then performed on that existing sample; no additional collection procedure is needed specifically for the IHC analysis.
Results for a Custom IHC Panel test typically take 5 to 10 working days. The exact time depends on the number of markers being tested and the complexity of the panel. Your diagnostic centre will advise you on the expected turnaround.
Using too few markers can produce misleading results or fail to support a specific diagnosis. A Specialised IHC Panel test with multiple targeted markers gives the pathologist a clearer picture of the tumour type, origin, and biological behaviour.
Yes. IHC can detect organ-specific markers that help identify where a metastatic cancer originated, even when the primary tumour has not been found. This information is important for planning the right course of treatment.
Not always. Some results may be borderline or unclear, and additional molecular tests or specialist review may be needed. Your pathologist will indicate in the report if further investigations are recommended for a conclusive diagnosis.
Custom IHC Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
