Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
4,850 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Purpose
Immunohistochemistry is a diagnostic technique that uses antibodies to detect specific antigens (proteins) in tissue samples. It combines immunological, biochemical, and histological methods to identify protein markers that help in the diagnosis and classification of diseases, especially tumors.
This test plays a critical role in:
- Diagnosing cancers by identifying the type and origin of tumor cells.
- Classifying tumors into subtypes to guide treatment decisions.
- Detecting infectious organisms or abnormal protein expressions in tissue samples.
- Immunochemistry is especially useful when standard histology cannot provide a clear diagnosis.
The test can be combined with Histopathology, Molecular testing (e.g., PCR or FISH), Cytology, Flow cytometry, and Immunofluorescence.
Patient Preparation
The patient will be prepared based on the sample collection method.
Samples
Obtain whole organs via surgery, and tissue samples via biopsies. Fix and label the samples with the patient’s name or a unique identifier. Sectioned samples are stable at room temperature after fixation or refrigerated at 2-8 °C.
Reference Range
Normal cells
Results Turnaround
1 to 3 weeks after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Immunochemistry Test helps identify specific protein markers in tissues, allowing for accurate disease diagnosis and classification. When fully processed, the test may yield the following outcomes:
Positive Result (Protein Marker Detected):
Detection of specific antigens confirms the presence and type of disease. For instance:
- Tumors of unknown origin can be identified and classified (e.g., carcinoma vs. lymphoma).
- Carcinomas and adenomas may express epithelial markers like cytokeratin.
- Lymphomas typically show markers like CD20 or CD3.
- Melanomas may be confirmed by the presence of S100 or HMB-45.
- Sarcomas are usually diagnosed using mesenchymal markers like vimentin.
Species-specific antibodies can help detect infectious agents, such as Entamoeba histolytica or Leishmania species.
Negative Result (No Marker Detected):
If no known antigen is identified, the sample may:
- Be non-diagnostic, requiring repeat sampling or additional testing.
- Indicate benign tissue without malignancy or infection.
- Require broader or more specific antibody panels to identify rare or poorly characterized conditions.
These outcomes guide clinicians in choosing the most appropriate treatment plans, especially in complex or unclear cases. For more on Immunochemistry (IHC), read this study.