IHC, CK 10 Test

Creatine kinase (CK or CPK) is an enzyme (which is a type of protein) found in the brain and muscles. Normally, CK is found circulating in the blood in very low amounts. Elevated levels of this enzyme indicate damage to either the muscles or the brain, possibly from a myocardial infarction, certain muscle diseases, or from a stroke. There are isoforms of CK: BB, or CK-I, is produced primarily by the brain and smooth muscles. MB or CK-II, is produced mainly by heart muscles. MM, or CK-III, is formed by skeletal muscles.

The IHC-CK-10 test doesn’t demand any dietary restrictions before or after the test. However, patients are advised against engaging in strenuous physical activity on the day of the test. The patient is also advised to report any recent injections or medications to their doctor. The doctor may ask you to pause certain medications in case they affect the results of your tissue culture. It is advisable to wear light, comfortable clothing. Tissue cultures are seldom done in an outpatient setting, so you may have to go to a hospital or a specialized diagnostic centre to give your culture.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality, causing over 1.3 million death worldwide. Primary lung carcinomas have been further classified into small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and other subtypes are further classified under NSCLC. IHC markers have been tested and found to have variable sensitivity and specificity in the sub-classification of primary and metastatic adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC). The IHC-CK-10 test, also known as the creatinine kinase test, helps detect the above ailments.

Expression of cytokeratins is largely organ or tissue specific. The preferred specimen type is a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block. One unbaked, unstained slide cut specifically at 4-5 microns for H&E staining is required and two to three positively charged unstained slides cut at 3-4 microns for each test/antibody should preferably be ordered. Cold pack is used for transporting the specimen. The results take around 24 hours to come.