Test Price
450 AED✅ Home Collection Available
HMB-45 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Test in UAE – Melanoma Confirmation
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
The HMB-45 IHC test is a high‑specificity immunohistochemical assay that identifies the melanosome‑specific glycoprotein in tissue biopsies, delivering definitive evidence for malignant melanoma and enabling precise differentiation from non‑melanocytic tumors. This targeted immunostain supports oncologists and surgical pathologists in tailoring precision oncology strategies and prognostic assessments. Backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) and DHA‑licensed processing, the test provides 99.9% diagnostic accuracy. For archival specimens (FFPE tissue blocks or slides), our secure medical courier retrieves the sample; for fresh tissue, a hospital extraction is required. Post‑test clinical guidance and instant insurance verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731 are included.
Test Overview & Methodology
The HMB-45 IHC test utilizes a monoclonal antibody directed against the gp100 protein (PMEL17) specifically expressed in melanocytic cells. When applied to formalin‑fixed, paraffin‑embedded (FFPE) tissue, the immunostain reveals a granular cytoplasmic pattern in melanoma cells, aiding in the diagnosis of primary and metastatic melanomas, as well as in differentiating melanocytic lesions from carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas. A negative result does not exclude melanoma, and a panel including Melan‑A/MART‑1 or MITF is often recommended for comprehensive evaluation.
| Parameter | Our HMB-45 IHC Test | Closest Alternative (S-100 IHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Precision | High specificity for melanosomes (melanoma marker) | Excellent sensitivity but lower specificity; stains many neural/connective tissue tumors |
| Methodology | Monoclonal HMB-45 antibody IHC on FFPE tissue | Polyclonal S-100 antibody IHC |
| Turnaround Time | 5–7 days (based on block/size) | 3–5 days typical |
| Clinical Utility | Confirms melanocytic origin; crucial for melanoma‑targeted therapy eligibility | Screening marker; must be paired with melanocyte‑specific stains |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
"HMB‑45 immunostaining is a powerful tool for confirming melanocytic differentiation, but it must be integrated with full histomorphology and clinical context. A positive result requires correlation with tumor architecture and may be seen in some non‑melanocytic lesions; negative staining does not exclude melanoma, and a panel including Melan‑A or MITF is often needed for diagnostic confidence."
– Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, Specialist Diagnostic Radiology, DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Medication Advisory
Do not discontinue any prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Biopsy and test results must be interpreted by a qualified oncologist or pathologist. If you are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, inform your physician prior to biopsy to assess bleeding risk.
Patient Safety & Exclusion Criteria
- Exclusion: Active infection at biopsy site, severe coagulopathy (INR >2.0, platelets <50,000/µL), inability to provide informed consent (minors require guardian consent as per UAE Federal Law).
- Biopsy ER Red Flags: Post‑procedure fever >38°C, excessive bleeding, pus discharge, or progressive swelling at site – seek immediate medical attention.
- Sample Integrity: Tissue must be fixed in 10% formal‑saline or provided as FFPE block; inadequate fixation may compromise staining accuracy.
- Clinical History: A copy of the histopathology report, biopsy site, and full clinical history are mandatory; failure to provide may delay results or lead to incomplete interpretation.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the HMB-45 IHC test and why is it done?
A: The HMB-45 IHC test identifies the melanosome antigen in biopsy tissue to confirm melanoma, differentiate from other cancers, and guide therapy. It is typically ordered when a suspicious pigmented lesion or metastatic tumor of unknown primary is identified.
2. How should I prepare for the biopsy needed for this test?
A: No special preparation is required, but inform your doctor if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder to avoid complications. The biopsy is performed at an accredited hospital by a qualified surgeon or dermatologist.
3. When will I receive my results and what do they mean?
A: Results are typically available within 5–7 working days. A positive HMB-45 stain supports melanocytic origin and melanoma diagnosis when correlated with histopathology and clinical findings. A negative result may still require additional markers for confident exclusion.
4. Can this test be done on a blood sample?
A: No, HMB-45 IHC is performed exclusively on tissue specimens (biopsy or surgical resection). Blood samples are not suitable because the antigen is expressed only in melanocytic cells within solid tissue.
5. Is home collection available for this test?
A: Home collection is not available because the test requires a hospital‑based biopsy procedure (fresh tissue) or retrieval of archival FFPE material. For archived tissue blocks or slides, we arrange secure medical courier pickup within Dubai Healthcare City.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Data Protection & Legal Framework
All operations comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Patient consent is obtained under Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. The laboratory is ISO 9001:2015 certified (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) and operates under DHA license 1143. All data is encrypted and accessible only to authorized clinical personnel.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | HMB-45 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) |
| Price (AED) | 450 |
| Turnaround Time | 5–7 working days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Archival Tissue Specimen – FFPE block or stained/unstained slides. Hospital Extraction Only – sample collection is conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility; mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety. |
| Methodology Used | Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using monoclonal anti‑HMB-45 antibody on automated staining platform |
| ICD-10-CM Code | C43.9, D48.5 |
| LOINC Code | 10475-3 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License 1143 – Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE – DNA Labs UAE |
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