Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test
Short Name: IHC OCT-2
Also known as: OCT-2 Immunostain, Octamer-binding Protein 2 IHC, OCT-2 Lymphoma Marker Test, POU2F2 Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Enzyme-Labeled Antibody Technique on Tumor Tissue samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 5-7 working days: FFPE Block submission – 5 days; Tissue Biopsy – 5 days; Large/Complex Tissue – 7 days. Reports are delivered via Online Portal, Email, or WhatsApp.. 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 OCT-2 Test is to detect the nuclear expression of the OCT-2 transcription factor in tissue samples. This marker is essential in the immunophenotypic characterization of B-cell lymphomas. OCT-2, along with BOB.1, is one of the key transcription factors required for immunoglobulin gene transcription in B cells. In normal lymphoid tissue, OCT-2 is expressed in germinal center B cells and post-germinal center B cells. In the context of lymphoma diagnosis, the retention or loss of OCT-2 expression provides valuable diagnostic information. In Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (LPHL), the neoplastic lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells consistently express OCT-2, often strongly and uniformly. This distinguishes LPHL from classical Hodgkin lymphoma, where the Reed-Sternberg cells typically show absent or weak OCT-2 expression. In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), OCT-2 expression helps confirm the B-cell origin and can aid in subclassification. The test is requested by oncologists and pathologists as part of a broader immunohistochemistry panel to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and determine appropriate management strategies.
- Test Code
- 1020
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- C83.3
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Tumor Tissue
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 5-7 working days: FFPE Block submission – 5 days; Tissue Biopsy – 5 days; Large/Complex Tissue – 7 days. Reports are delivered via Online Portal, Email, or WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Enzyme-Labeled Antibody Technique
Sample Collection
The tissue sample is collected by a qualified surgeon or interventional radiologist during a biopsy or surgical excision procedure. No specific patient preparation such as fasting is required for the tissue submission itself. A copy of the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and clinical history must accompany the specimen.
Method: Tissue biopsy or surgical excision submitted in appropriate preservative
Laboratory Analysis
The tissue specimen is collected via biopsy (excisional, incisional, or core needle) from the affected site. The specimen is immediately placed in 10% formal-saline or transferred for formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE block preparation). Proper labeling and documentation of the specimen are essential.
Report Delivery
The tissue block or unstained slides are transported to the laboratory at room temperature. The immunohistochemistry staining protocol is performed by trained technicians under the supervision of a pathologist. Results are reviewed and interpreted by a qualified pathologist before the report is generated and shared via the selected delivery method.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 5-7 working days: FFPE Block submission – 5 days; Tissue Biopsy – 5 days; Large/Complex Tissue – 7 days. Reports are delivered via Online Portal, Email, or WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test is to detect the nuclear expression of the OCT-2 transcription factor in tissue samples. This marker is essential in the immunophenotypic characterization of B-cell lymphomas. OCT-2, along with BOB.1, is one of the key transcription factors required for immunoglobulin gene transcription in B cells. In normal lymphoid tissue, OCT-2 is expressed in germinal center B cells and post-germinal center B cells. In the context of lymphoma diagnosis, the retention or loss of OCT-2 expression provides valuable diagnostic information. In Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (LPHL), the neoplastic lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells consistently express OCT-2, often strongly and uniformly. This distinguishes LPHL from classical Hodgkin lymphoma, where the Reed-Sternberg cells typically show absent or weak OCT-2 expression. In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), OCT-2 expression helps confirm the B-cell origin and can aid in subclassification. The test is requested by oncologists and pathologists as part of a broader immunohistochemistry panel to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and determine appropriate management strategies.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline OR as a Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Ship specimen at room temperature
- Provide a copy of the histopathology report with the specimen
- Include the site of biopsy in the requisition form
- Provide complete clinical history for accurate pathological correlation
- Ensure the tissue is properly labeled with patient identifiers
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The OCT-2 immunohistochemical marker is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of B-cell lymphomas. Its nuclear expression pattern helps distinguish Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma from other lymphoid malignancies. I recommend this test as part of a comprehensive lymphoma panel when clinical and histopathological findings suggest a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen received without formalin fixation or preservation
- Specimen with insufficient tumor tissue for evaluation
- Tissue with extensive necrosis (greater than 75%) rendering interpretation unreliable
- Specimen without accompanying histopathology report, biopsy site, or clinical history
- Improperly labeled specimen with mismatched patient identifiers
- Specimen fixed in decalcifying solution without prior notification to the laboratory
Understanding Your Results
OCT-2 Positive (Strong Nuclear Staining)
Supports B-cell lineage. Strong positivity in the context of appropriate morphology and other markers may support a diagnosis of LPHL or DLBCL.
OCT-2 Positive (Weak to Moderate Nuclear Staining)
May indicate retained B-cell transcription factor expression; requires integration with full IHC panel and histomorphology.
OCT-2 Negative
Helps distinguish LPHL (OCT-2 positive) from classical Hodgkin lymphoma (OCT-2 typically negative or weak). Negative result in the context of a suspected B-cell lymphoma warrants further investigation with additional markers.
You should consult your treating oncologist or hematologist if your Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test results are abnormal, inconclusive, or inconsistent with clinical findings. Additionally, consult your doctor if you have been experiencing unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, night sweats, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, or chronic pain, as these may be symptoms of lymphoma or other lymphoproliferative disorders. Your doctor will interpret the OCT-2 results in the context of your overall clinical picture, other laboratory results, imaging studies, and histopathological findings to arrive at a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Limitations
- ⚠This test is an adjunct to histopathological evaluation and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, morphology, and a comprehensive panel of immunohistochemical markers
- ⚠OCT-2 expression alone cannot definitively distinguish between all types of B-cell lymphomas
- ⚠False negative results may occur due to suboptimal tissue fixation or processing
- ⚠The test is validated for use on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue only; results on other specimen types may not be reliable
- ⚠Inter-observer variability in semi-quantitative interpretation of staining intensity may exist
Risks & Considerations
- ●The Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test itself carries no direct risk to the patient as it is a laboratory-based tissue analysis
- ●Risks associated with tissue biopsy (the sample collection procedure) include bleeding, infection, pain at the biopsy site, and in rare cases, damage to surrounding structures
- ●False positive or false negative results are possible, which may affect clinical decision-making; correlation with other diagnostic tests is essential
Interfering Factors
- ●Inadequate fixation of tissue specimen leading to antigen degradation
- ●Prolonged fixation time in formalin beyond recommended duration causing antigen masking
- ●Use of non-standard fixation solutions other than 10% neutral buffered formalin
- ●Excessive heat-induced epitope retrieval conditions damaging tissue morphology
- ●Tissue necrosis or autolysis reducing antigen availability
- ●Use of decalcifying agents on bone marrow or bone tissue specimens that may compromise antigen integrity
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test | OCT-2 | BOB.1 | CD20 | BCL-6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test?
What is OCT-2 and why is it important in lymphoma diagnosis?
What is the cost of the Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test at DNA Labs India?
What type of sample is required for the OCT-2 Test?
How long does it take to get the OCT-2 Test results?
Is the Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test painful?
What does a positive OCT-2 result mean?
What does a negative OCT-2 result mean?
Is fasting required before the OCT-2 Test?
Is home sample collection available for the OCT-2 Test?
What other tests are usually recommended along with the OCT-2 Test?
Which cities does DNA Labs India cover for the Immunohistochemistry OCT-2 Test?
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