Immunohistochemistry MUC5AC Test
Short Name: IHC MUC5AC
Also known as: MUC5AC Immunostaining, Mucin 5AC IHC Test, MUC5AC Protein Expression Analysis, Anti-MUC5AC Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry MUC5AC 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 Results are typically available within 10 working days from the date of specimen receipt at the laboratory. Online reports can be accessed through the DNA Labs India portal, and physical copies can be collected from the nearest centre or dispatched via courier upon request.. 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 MUC5AC Test is to evaluate the expression of the MUC5AC protein in tissue specimens. This assessment serves several clinical objectives: identifying gastric-type differentiation in pancreatic cystic neoplasms, particularly IPMN; aiding in the histopathological subtyping of mucinous tumours of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems; contributing to the mucin immunopanel (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6) for comprehensive tumour classification; supporting differential diagnosis between benign and malignant mucinous lesions; and assisting oncologists in prognosis determination and treatment planning. This test does not serve as a standalone diagnostic tool but is used in conjunction with routine histopathology and other ancillary investigations to provide a complete diagnostic picture.
- Test Code
- 28
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- Z12.11
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Result Time
- Results are typically available within 10 working days from the date of specimen receipt at the laboratory. Online reports can be accessed through the DNA Labs India portal, and physical copies can be collected from the nearest centre or dispatched via courier upon request.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Sample Collection
The tissue specimen is collected by the treating physician or surgeon via biopsy or surgical resection. No specific patient preparation is required for this test. Ensure that a copy of the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history accompany the specimen.
Method: Biopsy / Surgical resection specimen submitted by treating physician
Laboratory Analysis
The tissue sample is obtained by the treating clinician through biopsy (endoscopic, core needle, or excisional) or surgical resection of the affected area. The specimen should be immediately placed in 10% formal-saline or processed into a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block as per institutional protocol.
Report Delivery
The properly labelled tissue specimen in formal-saline or as an FFPE block is shipped to DNA Labs India at room temperature. Ensure the specimen container is securely sealed and accompanied by the histopathology report, biopsy site details, and clinical history. The report will be available within 10 working days.
Timeline: Results are typically available within 10 working days from the date of specimen receipt at the laboratory. Online reports can be accessed through the DNA Labs India portal, and physical copies can be collected from the nearest centre or dispatched via courier upon request.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Immunohistochemistry MUC5AC Test is to evaluate the expression of the MUC5AC protein in tissue specimens. This assessment serves several clinical objectives: identifying gastric-type differentiation in pancreatic cystic neoplasms, particularly IPMN; aiding in the histopathological subtyping of mucinous tumours of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems; contributing to the mucin immunopanel (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6) for comprehensive tumour classification; supporting differential diagnosis between benign and malignant mucinous lesions; and assisting oncologists in prognosis determination and treatment planning. This test does not serve as a standalone diagnostic tool but is used in conjunction with routine histopathology and other ancillary investigations to provide a complete diagnostic picture.
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
- Include a copy of the histopathology report with the specimen
- Provide the site of biopsy clearly on the requisition form
- Include relevant clinical history and prior investigation results
- Ensure the specimen container is securely sealed and labelled with patient details
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"MUC5AC expression analysis via immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool in the subtyping of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas. When used as part of a mucin immunopanel alongside MUC1, MUC2, and MUC6, it helps distinguish gastric-type IPMN from intestinal-type and pancreatobiliary-type subtypes, guiding prognosis and surgical planning. Clinicians should always interpret MUC5AC results within the context of histopathology findings and clinical presentation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen received without formalin fixation (fresh unfixed tissue)
- Specimen with no identifiable tumour tissue on initial review
- Severely autolysed or necrotic tissue with no viable diagnostic cells
- Specimen container with leaked or insufficient formalin
- Missing patient identification or clinical history documentation
- Specimen received without accompanying histopathology report
Understanding Your Results
MUC5AC Positive
Assists in subtyping mucinous neoplasms and guides treatment planning. Gastric-type IPMN typically has lower malignant potential compared to intestinal-type or pancreatobiliary-type.
MUC5AC Negative
When combined with other immunopanel markers, MUC5AC negativity helps narrow the differential diagnosis and identify the specific IPMN subtype.
Focal / Weak Positivity
Heterogeneous expression may suggest mixed-type IPMN or a tumour undergoing phenotypic transition. Additional sampling or repeat testing may be considered in equivocal cases.
Consult your oncologist or treating physician if you have been diagnosed with a pancreatic cystic lesion, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), or any mucinous neoplasm of the gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary tract. Additionally, seek medical advice if you experience persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, recurrent episodes of pancreatitis, or if prior imaging studies have revealed a pancreatic or gastrointestinal mass. Your physician will determine whether the MUC5AC IHC test, as part of a mucin immunopanel, is appropriate for your diagnostic workup.
Limitations
- ⚠This test is qualitative or semi-quantitative and does not provide absolute quantification of MUC5AC protein levels
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in the context of routine histopathological findings and clinical information
- ⚠MUC5AC expression alone is not diagnostic of any specific malignancy and is best used as part of a mucin immunopanel
- ⚠The test cannot distinguish between reactive and neoplastic MUC5AC expression without correlation with morphology
- ⚠Sensitivity may vary based on tissue processing, fixation protocol, and antibody clone used
- ⚠False-negative results may occur in cases of tumour heterogeneity or sampling error
Risks & Considerations
- ●No direct risks to the patient as this test is performed on an already collected tissue specimen
- ●There is a very small risk of equivocal or inconclusive results, which may require repeat biopsy or additional immunohistochemical markers
- ●As with any pathology test, there is a minimal risk of inter-observer variability in the interpretation of staining patterns
Interfering Factors
- ●Inadequate tissue fixation may lead to false-negative or equivocal results
- ●Prolonged fixation in formalin (beyond 48–72 hours) can cause antigen masking and reduced staining intensity
- ●Decalcification of bone tissue specimens may adversely affect antigen preservation
- ●Necrotic or haemorrhagic areas within the tissue may interfere with interpretation
- ●Small or insufficient biopsy specimens may not provide adequate tissue for reliable assessment
- ●Prior treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation may alter MUC5AC expression levels
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry MUC5AC Test | IHC MUC1 | IHC MUC2 | IHC MUC6 | Histopathology Examination | IHC Ki-67 Proliferation Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry MUC5AC Test | MUC1 is a transmembrane mucin associated with pancreatobiliary-type IPMN and aggressive tumour behaviour. Unlike MUC5AC (gastric-type differentiation), MUC1 positivity indicates a more advanced or invasive phenotype. Both markers are part of the standard mucin immunopanel. | MUC2 is an intestinal-type secretory mucin. In IPMN, MUC2 positivity is associated with intestinal-type differentiation and goblet cell morphology. MUC5AC and MUC2 are often mutually exclusive in IPMN subtyping, with MUC5AC indicating gastric-type and MUC2 indicating intestinal-type. | MUC6 is expressed in pyloric-type glands and is associated with intraductal papillary neoplasms with pyloric gland features. MUC5AC and MUC6 may co-express in some gastric-type IPMNs. Together, they help refine the histogenetic classification of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. | Routine histopathology with H&E staining provides the morphological foundation for diagnosis. MUC5AC IHC is an ancillary test that adds immunophenotypic information to the morphological assessment, enabling more precise subtyping of mucinous neoplasms. | Ki-67 assesses the proliferative activity of tumour cells, providing prognostic information regarding tumour aggressiveness. While MUC5AC helps in subtyping, Ki-67 evaluates the degree of dysplasia and risk of malignant transformation in IPMN and other neoplasms. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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