IHC, Oct. 2 Test

Popularly known as the IHC test, it is a special staining process performed on fresh or frozen breast cancer tissue which is removed at the time of biopsy. It is used to determine whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors on their surface. Determining the level and extent of their presence plays a critical role in the treatment planning of a cancer patient. Prescribing medicines which work only when the hormone receptors are absent will not be the best possible treatment for the person, and they may lose out of care.

The procedure for retrieving a portion of the cancer affected tissue is biopsy. Unlike blood tests, there is no particular restriction that applies for this test. The test taker must inform the doctor and the administrator of the test about any medication that they are on, any sensitivity or allergy or any other underlying medical condition. The healthcare professional will then inform the test taker regarding any restriction required before the test.

The test can be given in a variety of ways; the most common are as a percentage or an Allred score which ranges between 0-8. It is recommended that even a small trace of hormones must be considered as a positive result which means hormone therapy must be used for it. This test is used not only to determine the presence of breast cancer, but also to decide the course of treatment that must be given to the patient. Hormone therapy will be more effective in case this test comes out positive.

For the biopsy, the person is positioned in such a way that the doctor can easily access the biopsy site. The site where the injection must be made will be cleaned with alcohol using a cotton pad. An anaesthetic is also generally administered in the area, and in some cases even an IV sedative or medication may be given to relax you during the procedure. The doctor will guide the needle into the area where the cancerous tissue lies. A sample is collected through the needle and will drain it into the vial attached to the syringe. The needle is then withdrawn.