CK5/6 Test

Cytokeratin 5-6 is an antibody studied in laboratory for the qualitative identification of cytokeratin 5 and 6 proteins in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). This antibody labels mesothelioma, and epithelial basal cells in prostate and tonsil and distinguish the malignant mesothelioma from pulmonary adenocarcinoma. It does not react with other mesodermally derived tissues, such as muscle and connective tissues. Anti-CK 5-6 has also been found useful in the differential diagnosis of atypical proliferations of the breast. The presence of distinct population of CK 5-6 negative cells supports a diagnosis of ADH, whereas mosaic pattern of CK5-6 expression favors UDH.

Most blood tests do not require any special kind of preparation. Some helpful tips for a problem free blood test are listed below. Ask your physician about any special instruction to be followed before appearing for a blood test. If you are currently on any medication or taking other supplements you may sometime need to take a break from it in some cases. Prefer loose and cozy clothes either sleeveless or with easy roll up sleeves. Get yourself hydrated. Drinking enough water helps the lab assistant locate your vein easily. Fasting may not be required. Your doctor will inform you in particular if needed.

One of the important aspect of C5-6 marker is that it stains adenocarcinomas weakly (sometimes weakly) and squamous carcinomas strongly and diffusely . CK 5-6 can used as a confirmatory immunostain to recognize lymphoepithelioma , since lymphoepitheliomas express strong and diffuse CK 5/6. In biopsy specimens this tumor can be quite subtle and difficult to recognize, particularly when it presents as a metastatic lesion. CK 5-6 is useful in dealing with small biopsy specimens (cervix,lung), where the differential diagnosis includes poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (small cells) v/s poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma v/s small cell carcinoma.

The site is washed using antiseptic. The phlebotomist wraps an elastic band around the upper arm and pressure is applied to swell the vein with blood. Then needle is inserted to the target vein. The blood is then collected in a tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is then released. The needle is removed once enough blood has been collected. The site is sealed using adhesive bandage if there is any bleeding