Immunohistochemistry Serum Associated Amyloid (SAA) Test
Short Name: IHC SAA Test
Also known as: IHC Amyloid A Test, SAA Immunohistochemistry, Amyloid A Tissue Staining Test, IHC for AA Amyloidosis, Serum Amyloid A Tissue Test
Immunohistochemistry Serum Associated Amyloid (SAA) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining, Avidin-biotin complex method on Tissue samples. Results in Sample received daily by 6 PM. Report turnaround: Block samples 5 days, Tissue biopsy 5 days, Large complex tissue 7 business 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 Serum Associated Amyloid (SAA) Test is to detect, identify, and classify amyloid A (AA) protein deposits in tissue specimens using immunohistochemical staining. This test helps clinicians confirm a diagnosis of AA amyloidosis, distinguish it from other amyloid subtypes (such as AL amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis), determine the extent and distribution of amyloid deposition within affected tissues, guide appropriate treatment strategies targeting the underlying inflammatory condition, and monitor disease progression or treatment response in patients with known chronic inflammatory disorders.
- Test Code
- 1038
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- E85.9
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Tissue
- Result Time
- Sample received daily by 6 PM. Report turnaround: Block samples 5 days, Tissue biopsy 5 days, Large complex tissue 7 business days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining, Avidin-biotin complex method
Sample Collection
A tissue biopsy must be performed by a qualified physician or surgeon. Ensure the biopsy is representative of the affected area. Provide a copy of the histopathology report, biopsy site, and relevant clinical history. No patient-specific preparation is required for the IHC test itself.
Method: Tissue biopsy - surgical or core needle biopsy
Laboratory Analysis
The tissue sample should be immediately placed in 10% formal-saline or processed as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block. Adequate tissue size is required for proper embedding and sectioning. Label the container with patient details and biopsy site.
Report Delivery
Ship the sample at room temperature. Include a completed test requisition form with the histopathology report, biopsy site, and clinical history. The laboratory will perform immunohistochemical staining and pathologist interpretation.
Timeline: Sample received daily by 6 PM. Report turnaround: Block samples 5 days, Tissue biopsy 5 days, Large complex tissue 7 business days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Immunohistochemistry Serum Associated Amyloid (SAA) Test is to detect, identify, and classify amyloid A (AA) protein deposits in tissue specimens using immunohistochemical staining. This test helps clinicians confirm a diagnosis of AA amyloidosis, distinguish it from other amyloid subtypes (such as AL amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis), determine the extent and distribution of amyloid deposition within affected tissues, guide appropriate treatment strategies targeting the underlying inflammatory condition, and monitor disease progression or treatment response in patients with known chronic inflammatory disorders.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumor 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 exact site of biopsy on the requisition form
- Include relevant clinical history including chronic inflammatory conditions and prior test results
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"AA amyloidosis is a serious complication of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Immunohistochemistry for SAA is the gold-standard tissue-based method for confirming AA amyloid deposits and distinguishing them from other amyloid types (AL, ATTR, etc.). Early detection through IHC enables timely intervention, including treatment of the underlying inflammatory condition, which can halt or even reverse amyloid deposition. If a patient with a known chronic inflammatory disease develops unexplained renal, hepatic, or cardiac dysfunction, tissue biopsy with SAA immunohistochemistry should be strongly considered."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Tissue sample received without formalin fixation or FFPE processing
- Sample received without histopathology report or clinical history
- Completely necrotic or autolyzed tissue with no viable diagnostic material
- Sample container leaking or unlabeled
- Bone tissue samples with evidence of excessive decalcification damage
Understanding Your Results
Negative for SAA Amyloid
No amyloid A deposits detected in the tissue. This rules out AA amyloidosis. Other amyloid subtypes or non-amyloid conditions should be considered based on clinical context.
Positive for SAA Amyloid - Diffuse Extracellular Staining
Amyloid A protein deposits detected with diffuse extracellular staining pattern. This confirms AA amyloidosis (secondary/reactive amyloidosis). Correlation with Congo Red birefringence is recommended for definitive diagnosis.
Positive with Congo Red Co-localization
SAA amyloid deposits confirmed with apple-green birefringence under polarized light after Congo Red staining. This is diagnostic of AA amyloidosis. Treatment of the underlying chronic inflammatory condition is the primary therapeutic approach.
Inconclusive / Non-specific Staining
Non-specific or equivocal staining pattern observed. Repeat testing with fresh tissue section, additional immunohistochemical markers, or mass spectrometry-based proteomics may be required for definitive subtyping.
Consult your physician or specialist if you experience unexplained swelling in the ankles or legs, persistent shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, unexplained fatigue, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or changes in skin color — especially if you have a known chronic inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition can slow or prevent further amyloid deposition.
Limitations
- ⚠IHC staining alone may not definitively classify amyloid in all cases; correlation with clinical history, Congo Red staining, and other ancillary tests is recommended
- ⚠Sensitivity may be reduced in tissues with very early or minimal amyloid deposition
- ⚠Rarely, cross-reactivity with non-amyloid proteins may occur
- ⚠The test does not quantify the amount of amyloid deposition; it provides qualitative assessment
- ⚠Fixed and processed tissues may have reduced antigen reactivity compared to fresh tissue
Risks & Considerations
- ●This is a laboratory-based tissue test; it carries no direct risk to the patient from the test itself
- ●The tissue biopsy procedure required to obtain the sample carries standard biopsy-related risks including bleeding, infection, and discomfort at the biopsy site, which should be discussed with the referring physician
Interfering Factors
- ●Inadequate or improper tissue fixation may degrade antigen epitopes and produce false-negative results
- ●Prolonged decalcification of bone tissue samples can damage SAA antigenicity
- ●Excessive heat-induced antigen retrieval may cause background staining artifacts
- ●Use of expired or improperly stored primary anti-SAA antibodies may yield unreliable results
- ●Necrotic or severely autolyzed tissue may produce non-specific staining patterns
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry Serum Associated Amyloid (SAA) Test | Congo Red Stain for Amyloid | Mass Spectrometry-based Amyloid Typing | Serum Amyloid A (SAA) Blood Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry Serum Associated Amyloid (SAA) Test | Congo Red staining detects the presence of amyloid deposits by demonstrating apple-green birefringence under polarized light but does not identify the specific amyloid protein type. IHC SAA is specifically used after Congo Red-positive identification to classify amyloid as AA type. | Mass spectrometry proteomics provides the most definitive amyloid subtyping with high sensitivity and specificity. IHC SAA is more widely available and cost-effective but may require correlation with mass spectrometry in equivocal cases. | Serum SAA blood test measures circulating SAA protein levels, indicating active inflammation and risk of AA amyloidosis development. IHC SAA tissue test confirms actual amyloid deposition in organs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Immunohistochemistry SAA Test?
What is the cost of the IHC SAA Test at DNA Labs India?
What sample is required for the IHC SAA Test?
Is fasting required for the IHC SAA Test?
How long does it take to get the IHC SAA Test results?
What conditions are associated with AA amyloidosis?
What is the difference between AA amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis?
Does DNA Labs India offer home sample collection for this test?
What does a positive IHC SAA result mean?
What does a negative IHC SAA result mean?
Is the IHC SAA Test the same as the Serum Amyloid A blood test?
In which cities is home collection available for the IHC SAA Test?
Related Tests
Reference Laboratory Services
We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
Your Data Privacy
Your medical data is protected under Indian law.
✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.
✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.
Book Your Test
Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.