Overview: Calretinin Immunohistochemistry TestIntroduction: The Calretinin Immunohistochemistry Test detects calretinin protein to diagnose mesothelioma or ovarian tumors, causing chest pain or swelling. Following 2023 NCCN guidelines, it uses immunohistochemistry for high specificity, supporting cancer screening. This test is critical for guiding diagnosis, treatment planning, and improving outcomes in histopathology for patients with suspected mesothelioma or ovarian malignancies.
Other Names: Calretinin IHC Assay, Mesothelioma IHC Test.
FDA Status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT), meeting histopathology standards for diagnostic accuracy.
Historical Milestone: Calretinin testing began in the 1990s with mesothelioma research. Immunohistochemistry-based methods improved in the 2000s, enhancing diagnostic precision.
Purpose: Detects calretinin to diagnose mesothelioma or ovarian tumors, guides treatment, and evaluates patients with chest pain or swelling.
Test Parameters: 1. Calretinin Protein
Pretest Condition: No fasting required. Collect tissue via biopsy or surgical resection. Report history of chest pain, swelling, or asbestos exposure.
Specimen: 0.5-2 cma³ tissue (FFPE). Transport in a biohazard container.
Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 7 days
Sample Stability at Refrigeration: Not refrigerated
Sample Stability at Frozen: Not frozen
Medical History: Document chest pain, swelling, asbestos exposure, or family history of mesothelioma or ovarian tumors. Include current medications, especially chemotherapy.
Consent: Written consent required, detailing the tests purpose, cancer implications, and risks of biopsy or surgery.
Procedural Considerations: Uses immunohistochemistry to detect calretinin in tissue. Results are available in 1-2 days, supporting rapid clinical decisions. Performed in laboratories, often for mesothelioma or ovarian tumor diagnosis.
Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Improper tissue fixation or processing can affect results. Low tissue quality may reduce staining accuracy.
Clinical Significance: Positive calretinin staining suggests mesothelioma or ovarian tumors, guiding surgery or chemotherapy. Negative staining may require further tumor marker testing.
Specialist Consultation: Consult an oncologist or pulmonologist for result interpretation and treatment planning.
Additional Supporting Tests: WT1 IHC, D2-40 IHC, or chest CT to confirm mesothelioma or ovarian tumors.
Test Limitations: Not specific to mesothelioma; other tumors may express calretinin. Clinical correlation is needed.
References: NCCN Mesothelioma Guidelines, 2023; American Journal of Surgical Pathology, Ordonez NG, 2022.
