IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY CUSTOM PANEL TEST (IHC CUSTOM PANEL TEST)

Immunohistochemistry custom panel test

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) custom panel test is vital test which is used to detect specific molecules (also called as antigens) in cells of various tissues specimens. These specific molecules act as markers to differentiate malignant from non-malignant tissue. 

This test uses labelled antibodies which are matching molecules that attach themselves to target markers/or antigens in cells. These antibodies are then detected with help of tags such as fluorescent stains and help to identify the sample tissue under the microscope.

IHC custom panel test has a major role in detection of certain cancers; know their prognosis based on presence of different markers on slow growing and fast growing cancer cells. It also helps to identify particular stage of the cancer and the various treatment strategies.

IHC custom panel test helps to detect various cancers like lymphoms, breast, stomach, colorectal, esophagus head and neck cancers, kidney and urinary bladder, prostate, liver, lung, melanoma, ovarian and cervical cancers, pancreas etc. 

Why is Immunohistochemistry (IHC) custom panel test prescribed?

Your health care provider may order a IHC custom panel test for the following:

• Diagnose a particular cancer, its origin, stage, grade and metastasis
• Prognosis of cancer
• Decide  treatment strategies

What are components of IHC custom panel test?

The IHC custom panel test includes testing of all those markers associated with a particular cancer. Different cancers have their specific tumour markers which help in identifying that particular tumour.

Procedure and prerequisite

This test is conducted on fresh or frozen tumour tissue which is formalin fixed in 10% formalin and is formed into formalin fixed and paraffin embedded block. It can also be conducted on alcohol fixed fine needle aspirate smears. It is vital to submit relevant clinical history along with histopathology, cytopathology and radiological reports.

If specimen is that of bone marrow the blood counts, peripheral blood smears and bone marrow aspirate smears are also required.

Reference range

The test result is given as the various markers are positive or negative