IHC - Cluster of Differentiation 117 Test

Cluster of Differentiation 117 or CD117 is an antibody used in IHC testing for identification of the tumours of Gastrointestinal Stromal (GIST), Germ cells, Kidneys and Mastocytosis. This test helps in predicting effective therapy for GIST.

Tissue or cell samples are needed to be collected and prepared. The tissue samples are then treated by man-made antibodies, which attach to the cells. This causes the cells to change colour, which is then observed under a microscope by a pathologist. This type of testing is called as IHC or immunohistochemistry.

This is detrimental in determining the effective therapy for GIST

The process of collecting specimen in carried out the under the guidance of the healthcare provider who can be the oncologist, who determines the type of biopsy to be performed. Once the specimen tissue is collected it is treated to prevent deterioration of the sample and sent to the pathology to be tested for CD117 KIT.