Immunohistochemistry Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) Test
Short Name: IHC HSA Test
Also known as: HepPar-1 Test, Hepatocyte Paraffin 1 Antibody Test, HSA Immunostain, Hepatocyte Marker IHC
Immunohistochemistry Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,000. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on Tumor Tissue samples. Results in Sample accepted daily by 6 PM. Block results: 5 working days. Tissue biopsy results: 5 working days. Large/complex tissue results: 7 working 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 purpose of the Immunohistochemistry Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) test is to detect the presence of hepatocyte-specific mitochondrial antigen in liver tissue samples. This helps confirm hepatocellular differentiation in neoplastic tissue, distinguishing primary hepatocellular carcinoma from metastatic malignancies to the liver, and aiding pathologists in arriving at a definitive histopathological diagnosis when morphology alone is inconclusive.
- Test Code
- 941
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- C22.0
- Price
- ₹3,000
- Sample Type
- Tumor Tissue
- Result Time
- Sample accepted daily by 6 PM. Block results: 5 working days. Tissue biopsy results: 5 working days. Large/complex tissue results: 7 working days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Sample Collection
No specific patient preparation is required for this test. The tissue sample is typically obtained via an already-performed biopsy or surgical resection. Provide the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and detailed clinical history along with the specimen.
Method: Tissue Biopsy / Surgical Resection
Laboratory Analysis
A tissue biopsy or surgical resection specimen is collected by the treating physician or surgeon under appropriate anaesthesia and sterile conditions. The tissue is immediately placed in 10% formal-saline or processed as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block for preservation.
Report Delivery
The tissue sample is transported to the laboratory at room temperature. No special post-collection care is required from the patient related to the IHC test itself. Post-biopsy care is managed by the treating clinician.
Timeline: Sample accepted daily by 6 PM. Block results: 5 working days. Tissue biopsy results: 5 working days. Large/complex tissue results: 7 working days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Immunohistochemistry Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) test is to detect the presence of hepatocyte-specific mitochondrial antigen in liver tissue samples. This helps confirm hepatocellular differentiation in neoplastic tissue, distinguishing primary hepatocellular carcinoma from metastatic malignancies to the liver, and aiding pathologists in arriving at a definitive histopathological diagnosis when morphology alone is inconclusive.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Ship the sample at room temperature
- Provide a copy of the histopathology report along with the specimen
- Mention the exact site of biopsy on the requisition form
- Include detailed clinical history and relevant imaging findings
- Ensure the specimen is properly labelled with patient identifiers
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The HepPar-1 (HSA) immunohistochemical stain is a critical adjunct in the diagnostic workup of hepatic lesions. It helps distinguish primary hepatocellular carcinoma from metastatic tumours to the liver and confirms hepatocellular differentiation in challenging cases. When combined with other IHC markers such as Glypican-3, AFP, and CK8/18, it significantly improves diagnostic accuracy. Patients with a known liver mass or suspected hepatic malignancy should discuss this test with their treating oncologist for timely and precise diagnosis."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen received without formalin fixation or in a dried state
- Tissue sample too small or with insufficient viable tumour cells
- Specimen without proper labelling or identification
- Absence of accompanying histopathology report or clinical history
- Severely autolysed or necrotic tissue with no evaluable component
- Specimen fixed in inappropriate fixative that degrades antigens
Understanding Your Results
Positive (HSA expression detected)
Positive granular cytoplasmic staining for HepPar-1 supports hepatocellular differentiation. This is typically seen in well-differentiated to moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular adenoma. Correlation with morphology, clinical context, and additional markers (Glypican-3, Arginase-1, AFP) is essential for a definitive diagnosis.
Negative (No HSA expression detected)
Negative staining does not exclude hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated HCC. It may also suggest a non-hepatocellular neoplasm such as metastatic adenocarcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma. Additional IHC markers and clinical correlation are recommended.
Focal/Weak positivity
Weak or focal staining may be seen in some hepatocellular neoplasms and must be interpreted cautiously in the context of the overall IHC panel and morphology. It may also occasionally be seen in non-hepatocellular tumours.
Consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with a liver mass, have imaging findings suggestive of a hepatic tumour, have chronic liver disease or cirrhosis with new lesions, have elevated AFP levels, or if your biopsy results require further immunohistochemical characterisation. Early consultation with an oncologist or hepatologist is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment planning.
Limitations
- ⚠HepPar-1 is not entirely specific for hepatocellular carcinoma; focal positivity has been reported in some gastric, lung, and yolk sac tumours
- ⚠Sensitivity decreases in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated hepatocellular carcinomas
- ⚠This test should not be used as a standalone diagnostic marker; correlation with morphology and a panel of IHC markers is recommended
- ⚠Results are qualitative and depend on the subjective interpretation of the reviewing pathologist
- ⚠The test does not distinguish between benign hepatocellular adenoma and well-differentiated HCC on its own
Risks & Considerations
- ●This is a laboratory-based IHC test performed on an already-collected tissue specimen and carries no direct risk to the patient
- ●The biopsy procedure itself carries minimal risks such as bleeding, infection, or discomfort at the biopsy site, which are managed by the treating clinician
Interfering Factors
- ●Inadequate tissue fixation or prolonged fixation time may affect antigen preservation and staining quality
- ●Tissue necrosis or extensive fibrosis may reduce the availability of viable tumour cells for evaluation
- ●Decalcification of tissue specimens may compromise antigen integrity
- ●Poorly differentiated or undifferentiated HCC may show reduced or absent HepPar-1 expression
- ●Use of certain decalcifying agents may degrade the antigen and lead to false-negative results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) Test | Glypican-3 IHC | Arginase-1 IHC | AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) IHC | CK7 / CK20 IHC Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) Test | Glypican-3 is another commonly used marker for HCC. It is more sensitive for poorly differentiated HCC compared to HepPar-1 but has lower specificity. Often used together for improved diagnostic accuracy. | Arginase-1 is considered the most sensitive and specific single marker for hepatocellular differentiation, including in poorly differentiated HCC. It is increasingly preferred as a first-line hepatocellular marker. | AFP immunostain is highly specific for HCC but has lower sensitivity compared to HepPar-1 and Arginase-1. It is useful as part of a panel but not as a standalone marker. | CK7/CK20 panel helps in differentiating primary hepatic tumours from metastatic carcinomas. HCC is typically CK7-negative and CK20-negative, while cholangiocarcinoma is often CK7-positive. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Immunohistochemistry HSA (HepPar-1) test?
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What type of sample is required for the HSA test?
How much does the HSA test cost at DNA Labs India?
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How long does it take to get the HSA test results?
Is the HSA test the same as HepPar-1?
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Can the HSA test alone confirm hepatocellular carcinoma?
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