CD138 (Syndecan-1) by Immunohistochemistry

Also known as: CD138 IHC

Clinical Use

Use

CD138, also known as Syndecan-1, is a pivotal biomarker used in the evaluation and diagnosis of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms. The presence of CD138 in plasma cells aids in the identification of these cells within bone marrow biopsies, providing valuable information in the pathological assessment of bone marrow associated disorders. Immunohistochemical staining for CD138 is commonly performed to elucidate the plasma cell population in tissue samples, facilitating the diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with plasma cell dyscrasias.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The CD138 by IHC test is conducted as a stain and return (technical) service only, focusing on tissue or cell samples that have undergone formalin fixation and paraffin embedding. It is crucial that specimens are not depleted and contain representative tissue types to avoid issues with test validity or rejection. The test does not provide comprehensive molecular characterization of plasma cell neoplasms and should be interpreted in accordance with additional diagnostic findings for accurate clinical decision-making.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Immunoassay (IHC)

Biomarkers

CD138

Protein

CD138 Expression

Expression • Ordinal Score (e.g., TPS, CPS, H-score)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

94736-6 - Tissue block ID Spec

Result Turnaround Time

1-3 days

Specimen

Tissue (FFPE)

Volume

Not provided

Minimum Volume

2 slides

Container

Paraffin block or 5 unstained (3- to 5-micron thick sections), positively charged slides

Collection Instructions

Formalin fix (10% neutral buffered formalin) and paraffin embed specimen. For cells, prepare into a cellblock. Transport in a cooled container during summer months.