Description
Why It’s Done:
The test is performed to:
• Identify or confirm a diagnosis by detecting a specific protein.
• Classify tumors (e.g., carcinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma).
• Guide treatment decisions, especially when the protein is a target for therapy (e.g., HER2).
• Evaluate prognosis (some markers correlate with aggressive or slow-growing disease).
• Monitor recurrence or response to therapy in certain cases.
Preparation:
• Sample required: A tissue biopsy or surgical specimen.
• No patient preparation (such as fasting) is required.
• The sample is processed in the lab using a targeted antibody specific to the marker requested by the clinician.
• A detailed clinical history and provisional diagnosis should be shared with the lab to ensure appropriate marker selection and interpretation.
