Vimentin Test

Vimentin is a major type of cytoplasmic intermediate filaments which stains cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. It is expressed with tumors of lungs, thyroid, liver as well as carcinomas of skin, breast and stomach and hence is used as a control marker in the diagnosis of cancer. If it cannot be demonstrated in certain mesenchymal elements, there is a potential abnormality in the tissue and hence further diagnosis of cancer can be carried out. Vimentin test is done on biopsy tissue to measure the level of Vimentin. It is performed to confirm Mesenchymal Origin Tumor.

There is no specific preparation involved in Vimentin Immunohistochemistry. However, it is important to remain calm and inform the doctors about any medications that you have been taking. According to these and the time of medication intake, you will be informed of any changes in current medication so that the test can yield accurate results. Also inform the doctor of any allergies before the test and follow the specific instructions of the doctor. No changes in diet are required.

The vimentin immunohistochemistry test is used to detect tumors or carcinomas, and hence is a control marker used in the diagnosis of cancer. The normal result for this test is if the results show a positive detection of the Mesenchymal Origin Tumor. This is applicable to both genders as well as to all age groups from children to adults. Absence of vimentin staining may confirm that fat-like or other spaces actually lack a cellular lining Negative staining indicates carcinomas, Renal oncocytoma Renal chromophobe carcinoma, Thymic carcinoma, thymoma. It is important to consider that in rare cases, this test can also give false negatives as well as false positives.

Depending on the tumor that is being tested for, the biopsy procedure of extracting the tissue differs. However, a simple biopsy involves extraction of the tissue from the site using a needle. The needle is usually bigger than that used for a simple blood test and hence might be more painful. After extraction, the area is swabbed with spirit and cotton is held over the site of injection to prevent bleeding. The doctors take responsibility of cleaning the area before and after the procedure to avoid infections.