Immunohistochemistry P57 Test
Short Name: IHC P57 Test
Also known as: P57 KIP2 Immunohistochemistry, IHC P57 Staining, P57 Protein Detection Test, CDKN1C Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry P57 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Peroxidase-Antiperoxidase Technique, Automated Immunostaining on Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block samples. Results in Block: 5 working days | Tissue Biopsy: 5 working days | Tissue Large Complex: 7 working days. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and 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 P57 Test is to aid in the accurate histopathological diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic diseases and related conditions. Since P57 is a paternally imprinted gene expressed exclusively from the maternal allele, its detection serves as a reliable marker to determine the presence or absence of maternal genetic material in trophoblastic tissue. This distinction is clinically critical because complete hydatidiform moles carry a significant risk of progression to persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, choriocarcinoma, or invasive mole, requiring close clinical surveillance and potential chemotherapy. In contrast, partial moles and hydropic abortuses generally have a much lower risk of malignant sequelae. The test also has applications in evaluating Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and androgenetic/biparental mosaicism, where imprinting abnormalities at the 11p15.5 locus may lead to aberrant P57 expression patterns. By providing objective molecular evidence, this test reduces diagnostic ambiguity and supports informed clinical decision-making.
- Test Code
- 1026
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- O02.1
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Result Time
- Block: 5 working days | Tissue Biopsy: 5 working days | Tissue Large Complex: 7 working days. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Peroxidase-Antiperoxidase Technique, Automated Immunostaining
Sample Collection
The tissue specimen should be collected by the treating physician (gynecologist, surgeon, or oncologist) during biopsy or surgical procedure. A copy of the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and detailed clinical history must accompany the specimen. No patient-side preparation such as fasting or medication adjustment is required for this test.
Method: Tissue biopsy or surgical specimen collection by treating physician
Laboratory Analysis
The tissue sample is obtained via biopsy or surgical excision of the affected area by the referring specialist. The specimen is immediately placed in 10% formal-saline or processed into a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block as per standard histopathology protocols.
Report Delivery
The labelled specimen is transported to the laboratory at room temperature. The tissue undergoes sectioning, staining with anti-P57 antibody, and is examined by a qualified pathologist. Results are typically available within 5 to 7 working days depending on specimen complexity.
Timeline: Block: 5 working days | Tissue Biopsy: 5 working days | Tissue Large Complex: 7 working days. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Immunohistochemistry P57 Test is to aid in the accurate histopathological diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic diseases and related conditions. Since P57 is a paternally imprinted gene expressed exclusively from the maternal allele, its detection serves as a reliable marker to determine the presence or absence of maternal genetic material in trophoblastic tissue. This distinction is clinically critical because complete hydatidiform moles carry a significant risk of progression to persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, choriocarcinoma, or invasive mole, requiring close clinical surveillance and potential chemotherapy. In contrast, partial moles and hydropic abortuses generally have a much lower risk of malignant sequelae. The test also has applications in evaluating Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and androgenetic/biparental mosaicism, where imprinting abnormalities at the 11p15.5 locus may lead to aberrant P57 expression patterns. By providing objective molecular evidence, this test reduces diagnostic ambiguity and supports informed clinical decision-making.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or as a Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Ship the specimen at room temperature; do not freeze
- Include a copy of the histopathology report with the specimen
- Clearly mention the site of biopsy on the requisition form
- Provide detailed clinical history including obstetric history and provisional diagnosis
- Label the specimen container with patient name, date, and specimen type
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The P57 immunohistochemistry test is a critical ancillary tool in the histopathological evaluation of products of conception. Complete hydatidiform moles demonstrate absent nuclear staining for P57 due to the absence of the maternal genome, while partial moles and hydropic abortuses show positive nuclear staining. This test significantly reduces inter-observer variability inherent in morphological assessment alone and should always be interpreted in conjunction with the histopathology report and clinical presentation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen received without formalin fixation or with autolysis
- Specimen without adequate clinical history or histopathology report
- Tissue insufficient for sectioning and staining
- Specimen fixed in non-standard fixatives that may compromise antigen integrity
- Incorrectly labelled or unlabelled specimens
Understanding Your Results
Consistent with Complete Hydatidiform Mole (CM). These specimens lack maternal genetic material and therefore do not express the paternally imprinted P57 protein. Clinical correlation and follow-up for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is recommended.
Consistent with Partial Hydatidiform Mole (PM) or Hydropic Abortus (HA). Both conditions possess maternal genetic material and express P57 protein. Differentiation between PM and HA requires correlation with morphological features and, in some cases, ploidy analysis.
May indicate suboptimal tissue preservation, antigen degradation, or a technically inadequate sample. Repeat testing on a new tissue section or submission of a fresh FFPE block may be necessary. Clinical and morphological correlation is essential.
May suggest androgenetic/biparental mosaicism or a mixed molar pregnancy. Further molecular workup including DNA ploidy analysis and short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping may be indicated.
You should consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with a suspected molar pregnancy, abnormal products of conception, or gestational trophoblastic disease. Additionally, seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, rapid uterine enlargement disproportionate to gestational age, persistent elevated beta-hCG levels after a pregnancy event, or if your histopathology report indicates findings requiring further immunohistochemical evaluation. Early and accurate diagnosis guided by P57 testing is essential for appropriate management and prevention of complications.
Limitations
- ⚠P57 IHC is an adjunct to histopathological diagnosis and should not be used as the sole diagnostic criterion for molar pregnancy
- ⚠Rare cases of biparental complete hydatidiform mole may show positive P57 staining, leading to potential false negative diagnosis
- ⚠The test does not distinguish between partial hydatidiform mole and non-molar hydropic abortion as both show positive P57 staining
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in the context of morphology, clinical history, and ploidy analysis when indicated
- ⚠Tissue samples with extensive necrosis may yield non-diagnostic staining results
- ⚠The test is not validated for use on cytology specimens; tissue biopsy or surgical specimen is required
Risks & Considerations
- ●There are no risks to the patient from the P57 IHC test itself as it is performed on an already collected tissue specimen in the laboratory
- ●The initial biopsy or surgical procedure required to collect the tissue specimen carries standard procedural risks such as bleeding, infection, and discomfort, which are managed by the treating physician
Interfering Factors
- ●Prolonged fixation time in formalin beyond 48 hours may reduce antigenicity and cause false negative results
- ●Inadequate fixation leading to tissue autolysis can compromise P57 antigen detection
- ●Use of fixatives other than 10% neutral buffered formalin may affect staining quality
- ●Decalcification of tissue samples can degrade antigens and produce unreliable results
- ●Severe tissue necrosis may obscure P57 expression pattern interpretation
- ●Over-heating during tissue processing may cause antigen masking and false negative staining
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry P57 Test | Histopathology Alone | Flow Cytometry Ploidy Analysis | STR Genotyping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry P57 Test | Standard histopathological examination of products of conception is the first-line diagnostic approach but has significant inter-observer variability. P57 IHC provides objective molecular confirmation and reduces diagnostic uncertainty, especially in borderline cases. | Flow cytometry determines DNA ploidy (diploid vs triploid), which can help differentiate complete mole (diploid) from partial mole (triploid). P57 IHC is faster, more widely available, and does not require fresh tissue. The two tests are complementary. | Short tandem repeat genotyping provides definitive genetic characterization of molar tissue by determining parental contribution. It is the gold standard but is more expensive and technically demanding than P57 IHC. P57 IHC serves as a practical and cost-effective first-line molecular adjunct. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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