Immunohistochemistry Neurofilament Polypeptide Test
Short Name: IHC Neurofilament Polypeptide
Also known as: IHC NFP Test, Neurofilament Protein Immunohistochemistry, IHC Neurofilament Test, Neurofilament Polypeptide Staining
Immunohistochemistry Neurofilament Polypeptide Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,000. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on Tumour tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block samples. Results in Sample daily by 6 pm. Report: Tissue Block – 5 working days | Tissue Biopsy – 5 working days | Tissue Large Complex – 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 primary purpose of the IHC Neurofilament Polypeptide test is to detect neurofilament protein expression in tumour tissue samples. This helps in characterising the histogenesis of neoplasms, particularly those suspected to be of neural or neuroendocrine origin. The test aids pathologists and oncologists in reaching an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach for the patient.
- Test Code
- 947
- Price
- ₹3,000
- Sample Type
- Tumour tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Result Time
- Sample daily by 6 pm. Report: Tissue Block – 5 working days | Tissue Biopsy – 5 working days | Tissue Large Complex – 7 working days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Sample Collection
A prior biopsy or surgical excision of the tumour tissue must have been performed. The referring physician must provide a copy of the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history.
Method: Tissue biopsy (surgical, excisional, or core needle biopsy as determined by the treating physician)
Laboratory Analysis
The tissue sample is preserved in 10% formal-saline or submitted as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block. The sample is sectioned and processed in the laboratory for immunohistochemical staining with anti-neurofilament polypeptide antibodies.
Report Delivery
The stained tissue sections are examined under a microscope by a qualified pathologist. The staining pattern, intensity, and percentage of positive cells are evaluated and a final interpretation is provided in the report.
Timeline: Sample daily by 6 pm. Report: Tissue Block – 5 working days | Tissue Biopsy – 5 working days | Tissue Large Complex – 7 working days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the IHC Neurofilament Polypeptide test is to detect neurofilament protein expression in tumour tissue samples. This helps in characterising the histogenesis of neoplasms, particularly those suspected to be of neural or neuroendocrine origin. The test aids pathologists and oncologists in reaching an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach for the patient.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumour tissue in 10% Formal-saline or as a Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Ship the sample at room temperature
- Provide a copy of the histopathology report along with the sample
- Mention the site of biopsy clearly on the requisition form
- Include detailed clinical history including suspected diagnosis and relevant imaging findings
- Ensure the sample container is properly labelled with patient details
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The Immunohistochemistry Neurofilament Polypeptide test is a valuable ancillary tool in the diagnostic workup of neural and neuroendocrine tumours. It helps pathologists and oncologists characterise tumour origin, which is critical for selecting the most appropriate treatment strategy. A positive NFP stain in the context of clinical and histopathological findings can guide decisions regarding surgical margins, chemotherapy regimens, and follow-up protocols. This test should always be interpreted as part of a broader immunohistochemical panel alongside markers such as synaptophysin, chromogranin, and S-100 protein. Consult your treating oncologist for personalised advice based on your biopsy results."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received without a copy of the histopathology report
- Inadequate or severely necrotic tissue with no viable tumour cells
- Sample improperly preserved or contaminated
- Missing clinical history or site of biopsy information
- Specimen received in fixatives other than 10% formal-saline without prior laboratory approval
Understanding Your Results
Positive
Positive NFP staining in tumour cells supports a diagnosis of neural or neuroendocrine differentiation. The intensity and distribution of staining help in subclassifying the tumour. This finding should be correlated with other IHC markers and clinical information.
Negative
Absence of NFP staining does not entirely exclude a neural tumour but suggests that the tumour may not prominently express neurofilament proteins. Additional immunohistochemical markers and morphological evaluation are recommended.
Weak/Focal Positivity
Weak or focal staining may be seen in some neuroendocrine tumours or may indicate variable antigen expression. Clinical correlation and repeat staining with additional markers may be advised.
Consult your treating oncologist or pathologist if the test result is positive, negative, or equivocal. An integrated discussion of the IHC NFP result with histopathology, imaging findings, and other biomarker results is necessary to determine the diagnosis and plan treatment. If you have not yet received a biopsy, consult a surgeon or oncologist regarding the need for a tissue biopsy.
Limitations
- ⚠This test is a qualitative to semi-quantitative immunohistochemical assay and is not a quantitative measurement of neurofilament levels in blood or cerebrospinal fluid
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in the context of morphology, clinical history, and a broader immunohistochemical panel
- ⚠A negative result does not completely exclude a neural or neuroendocrine neoplasm
- ⚠The test is intended for use on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue and is not validated for frozen sections or cytology specimens without prior validation
- ⚠Staining patterns may vary between different antibody clones and laboratory protocols
Risks & Considerations
- ●This test is performed on an already obtained tissue specimen and does not involve any additional invasive procedure
- ●There are no direct physical risks associated with the IHC staining process
- ●Results require expert pathological interpretation and should not be used in isolation for clinical decision-making
Interfering Factors
- ●Prolonged fixation time in formalin may cause antigen cross-linking and reduce staining intensity
- ●Inadequate antigen retrieval may lead to false-negative results
- ●Tissue necrosis or extensive decalcification can impair antigen preservation
- ●Use of expired or improperly stored antibody reagents may produce unreliable results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry Neurofilament Polypeptide Test | IHC Synaptophysin | IHC Chromogranin A | IHC S-100 Protein | IHC GFAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry Neurofilament Polypeptide Test | Synaptophysin is a presynaptic vesicle protein and a more sensitive marker for neuroendocrine tumours compared to NFP. Both are often used together in a panel to confirm neuroendocrine differentiation. | Chromogranin A is a secretory granule protein found in neuroendocrine cells. It is used alongside NFP to confirm neuroendocrine tumours but may be negative in some poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. | S-100 protein is expressed in neural crest-derived cells including Schwann cells and melanocytes. It complements NFP in the evaluation of peripheral nerve sheath tumours and melanocytic lesions. | Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a marker for astrocytic and glial cells. While NFP highlights neuronal elements, GFAP helps identify glial tumours in the central nervous system. Both are commonly used in CNS tumour panels. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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