IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, HEPATOCYTE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (HSA)

The IHC – Hepatocyte Specific Antigen (HSA) test is an immunohistochemistry-based diagnostic assay used to detect hepatocyte-specific proteins in tissue samples. This test is widely used in pathology to identify tumors that originate from liver cells, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Hepatocyte Specific Antigen is a marker expressed in normal liver cells (hepatocytes) and many primary liver tumors. Detection of HSA helps pathologists confirm whether a tumor has a hepatic origin, especially when evaluating metastatic cancers or poorly differentiated tumors.

Benefits of the Test

• Helps diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
• Assists in identifying liver-origin tumors
• Differentiates primary liver cancer from metastatic tumors
• Supports accurate tumor classification
• Helps guide oncology treatment planning

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

Doctors recommend the IHC HSA test when there is suspicion of primary liver cancer or metastatic tumors involving the liver. It is commonly used in:

• Evaluation of liver masses
• Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
• Differentiation of liver tumors from metastatic cancers
• Investigation of poorly differentiated tumors
• Oncology biopsy interpretation

HSA staining is often combined with other liver markers such as HepPar-1, Glypican-3, AFP, and Arginase-1 for more precise diagnosis.

Preparation Before Test

No special preparation is required for this test. Important points include:

• The test is performed on a biopsy or surgical tissue sample
• No fasting is required for the immunohistochemistry procedure
• Previous imaging reports and liver function tests may help interpretation

Normal Reporting Time

The typical turnaround time is 3 to 5 working days, depending on laboratory workload and tissue processing requirements.

Who Should Take This Test

• Patients with suspected liver cancer
• Individuals with liver masses detected on imaging
• Cases requiring differentiation of metastatic tumors
• Patients undergoing liver biopsy evaluation
• Oncology patients needing tumor origin confirmation

The IHC HSA test is an important tool in modern oncopathology and liver tumor diagnosis. By confirming hepatocellular origin in tissue samples, it helps clinicians establish accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans for liver-related malignancies.