Epithelial Membrane Antigen Test

Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA) test is conducted to determine the presence of epithelial cells. It is conducted by considering a sample of biopsy tissue. This test aims mainly at detecting epithelial origin tumors, Meningioma along with Paget disease. Epithelial membrane antigen is essential in determining malignant tumors which are modified poorly by the source of epithelial. It is most useful as a marker while staining various carcinomas; generally, it stains normal along with neoplastic cells only from the tissues. To check the presence of EMA, formalin fixed paraffin of 5 micrometers will be used.

In order to carry out Epithelial Membrane Antigen test, there is no necessity of special restrictions to be followed. It would be better to inform your consulting doctor, in case if you are taking any medications apart from this. It is also important to notify about the medicines you are taking along with any supplements. In case if you are allergic to any of the medicines or medical conditions, inform doctor beforehand to avoid the inconvenience at the time of treatment. So, that doctor will let you know necessary steps that you need to take depending on your situation, before taking up the test. There are no restrictions to be followed in the diet, but it will be better to take advice from your doctor.

Epithelial Membrane Antigen test is conducted in order to test epithelial cells which cause serious diseases. Hence, the reports of the test conclude following results: Positive staining of Epithelial Membrane Antigen test is detected only in the case of tumors. Positive staining results are for all the genders and all the age groups. EMA stains cytoplasm as well as a membrane in positive cells only in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. In case if a tissue is not processed or handled properly before immunostaining then it also gives false positive results.

Epithelial Membrane Antigen test is carried out by taking Biopsy tissue sample from the individual. To detect the presence of antigen it is a multi-step procedure to be followed. In the first step, a primary antibody binds up the specific epitope. Then primary antibody will be labeled with the antigen. In the next step, to bind the primary antibody secondary antibody will be added. Then to bind secondary antibody, enzyme label will be added. This biopsy tissue has to be stored at room temperature till it is tested.