Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test
Short Name: IHC GATA-3
Also known as: GATA-3 Immunohistochemistry, GATA-3 IHC Staining, GATA-3 Protein Expression Test, GATA-3 Tumor Marker Test
Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block samples. Results in Sample Daily by 6 pm; Report – Block: 5 days, Tissue Biopsy: 5 days, Large Complex Tissue: 7 days. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test is to identify GATA-3 protein expression in tumour tissue, which aids in the diagnosis and subtyping of mammary carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma. This marker helps pathologists confirm the tissue of origin when cancer has spread (metastasised) to distant sites, distinguish breast cancer from other adenocarcinomas, and support the differential diagnosis of bladder tumours. The test may also be used as part of a broader immunohistochemical panel in the workup of certain lymphomas and other neoplasms.
- Test Code
- 996
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- C50, C67
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Result Time
- Sample Daily by 6 pm; Report – Block: 5 days, Tissue Biopsy: 5 days, Large Complex Tissue: 7 days
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Sample Collection
No special patient preparation is required. The test is performed on an already collected tissue specimen. A copy of the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history must accompany the specimen.
Method: Tissue biopsy or surgical resection specimen
Laboratory Analysis
Tissue is collected via core needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, excisional biopsy, or surgical resection by the treating physician. This is a laboratory-side test and does not involve a separate patient-side collection procedure.
Report Delivery
The tissue specimen is fixed in 10% formal-saline or processed into a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block. It is then sent to the histopathology lab for GATA-3 immunohistochemical staining and interpretation.
Timeline: Sample Daily by 6 pm; Report – Block: 5 days, Tissue Biopsy: 5 days, Large Complex Tissue: 7 days
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test is to identify GATA-3 protein expression in tumour tissue, which aids in the diagnosis and subtyping of mammary carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma. This marker helps pathologists confirm the tissue of origin when cancer has spread (metastasised) to distant sites, distinguish breast cancer from other adenocarcinomas, and support the differential diagnosis of bladder tumours. The test may also be used as part of a broader immunohistochemical panel in the workup of certain lymphomas and other neoplasms.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumour tissue in 10% Formal-saline or as a Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Ship the specimen at room temperature
- Provide a copy of the histopathology report along with the specimen
- Include the site of biopsy and detailed clinical history on the requisition form
- Ensure the specimen is properly labelled with patient identification details
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"GATA-3 immunohistochemistry is a valuable diagnostic marker in routine oncology practice. Its strong nuclear expression is characteristic of mammary and urothelial carcinomas, helping pathologists confirm the primary site of a tumour and differentiate it from other carcinoma subtypes. A positive GATA-3 result, in the appropriate morphological context, supports a breast or bladder origin and guides further treatment planning. Patients should always discuss IHC results with their treating oncologist for comprehensive management."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Unlabelled or mislabelled specimen
- Specimen received without formalin fixation and beyond acceptable cold ischemia time
- Inadequate tumour tissue for evaluation
- Specimen without accompanying histopathology report or clinical history
- Severely autolysed or necrotic tissue yielding non-diagnostic staining
Understanding Your Results
GATA-3 Strongly Positive (Diffuse Nuclear Staining)
Strong and diffuse nuclear GATA-3 expression is highly suggestive of mammary carcinoma (particularly luminal subtypes) or urothelial carcinoma. Clinical and morphological correlation is recommended.
GATA-3 Weakly or Focally Positive
Weak or focal GATA-3 staining may be seen in certain subtypes of breast cancer, some urothelial tumours, or other GATA-3-expressing neoplasms. Additional immunohistochemical markers are recommended for definitive classification.
GATA-3 Negative
Absence of GATA-3 staining does not entirely exclude breast or urothelial origin, particularly in triple-negative breast cancers or high-grade urothelial carcinomas that may lose GATA-3 expression. A broader immunohistochemical panel should be evaluated.
Consult your oncologist or treating physician if your GATA-3 test result is abnormal, equivocal, or if the result does not correlate with clinical findings. Additional immunohistochemical studies or molecular tests may be recommended to establish a definitive diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
Limitations
- ⚠GATA-3 is not entirely specific for breast or urothelial cancer; it can also be expressed in some T-cell lymphomas, trophoblastic tumours, salivary gland tumours, and a subset of squamous cell carcinomas
- ⚠Negative GATA-3 staining does not exclude breast or bladder cancer, as some subtypes (e.g., triple-negative breast cancer) may lose GATA-3 expression
- ⚠This test should be interpreted as part of a panel and not as a standalone diagnostic marker
- ⚠Interpretation requires correlation with morphological features, clinical history, and additional immunohistochemical stains
Risks & Considerations
- ●As this test is performed on an already collected tissue specimen, there are no additional procedural risks to the patient
- ●Risks associated with the original biopsy or surgical procedure are managed by the treating clinical team
Interfering Factors
- ●Prolonged fixation or under-fixation of tissue may affect antigen preservation and staining quality
- ●Decalcification of bone tissue specimens can degrade GATA-3 antigenicity
- ●Necrotic or heavily haemorrhagic tissue areas may yield non-specific or uninterpretable staining
- ●Use of certain fixatives other than formalin may impair immunoreactivity
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test | IHC ER (Estrogen Receptor) | IHC HER2/neu | IHC CK20 | IHC p63 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Immunohistochemistry GATA-3 Test?
Why is the GATA-3 IHC test ordered?
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Can GATA-3 be used to detect cancers other than breast and bladder cancer?
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