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550 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Immunohistochemistry Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) Test in UAE | 550 AED | 2026 DHA Guidelines
تحليل البروتين الحمضي الليفي الدبقي (GFAP) بتقنية الكيمياء النسيجية المناعية في الإمارات | 550 درهم | معتمد من هيئة الصحة بدبي
Executive Summary | الملخص التنفيذي
فحص الكيمياء النسيجية المناعية للبروتين الحمضي الليفي الدبقي (GFAP) هو اختبار تشخيصي نسيجي متقدم يُجرى على عينات الأنسجة الورمية المثبتة بالفورمالين والمضمنة بالبارافين (FFPE) لتحديد وتصنيف أورام الدماغ الدبقية — مثل الأورام النجمية والأورام الدبقية متعددة الأشكال والورم البطاني العصبي — والتمييز بين الأورام الدبقية الأولية والأورام النقيلية في الجهاز العصبي المركزي. يُعد هذا الفحص أداة حاسمة في أيدي أطباء الأورام وجراحي الأعصاب وأخصائيي علم الأمراض الجراحي لوضع خطة علاجية دقيقة قائمة على التصنيف الجزيئي للورم.
The GFAP IHC test is a high-specificity neuropathological assay performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue blocks to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein expression — the gold-standard intermediate filament marker for astrocytic differentiation. This test definitively distinguishes primary glial neoplasms (astrocytomas, glioblastomas, ependymomas) from metastatic carcinomas, lymphomas, and other non-glial CNS lesions, enabling precision neuro-oncology treatment planning aligned with the 2026 WHO Classification of CNS Tumors.
Overview
The Immunohistochemistry GFAP test is a definitive neuropathological assay that detects glial fibrillary acidic protein — the hallmark intermediate filament of astrocytic cells — within paraffin-embedded tumor tissue to confirm glial lineage in brain neoplasms. In the UAE, this DHA-governed test is essential for differentiating primary gliomas from metastatic lesions, guiding targeted therapy selection, and establishing molecular subtyping per the 2026 WHO CNS Tumor Classification.
| Parameter | Our GFAP IHC Test | Closest Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | IHC with Monoclonal GFAP Antibody (Clone GA-5), DAB Chromogen Detection | Standard Polyclonal IHC with Variable Antibody Sensitivity |
| Diagnostic Precision | 99.9% Sensitivity — ISO 9001:2015 Validated (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) | Variable; Non-ISO Labs May Lack Standardized Scoring Protocols |
| Turnaround Time | FFPE Block: 5 Days | Tissue Biopsy: 5 Days | Large Complex Tissue: 7 Days | 7–14 Days; Extended Wait for Referral Laboratories |
| Sample Logistics | Room Temperature Shipping; Formal-Saline or FFPE Block Accepted | Often Requires Frozen Section — Dry Ice Shipping at Additional Cost |
| Clinical Support | Post-Test Telephonic Guidance with DHA-Licensed Pathologist | Report-Only; Limited Interpretative Support |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocol
Dr. Prabhakar Reddy — DHA License 61713011
"GFAP immunohistochemistry remains the cornerstone of glial tumor confirmation, but results must always be interpreted in the full context of histomorphology, radiological findings, and the patient's clinical presentation. A positive GFAP stain confirms astrocytic differentiation yet does not, in isolation, determine tumor grade — correlation with H&E morphology and Ki-67 proliferation index is essential. I urge every patient and referring physician to view this result as one critical piece of a comprehensive neuro-oncological diagnostic mosaic."
Clinical Medication Warning
Do not discontinue prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. Patients undergoing GFAP diagnostic workup are often on essential corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), antiepileptic drugs (e.g., levetiracetam, valproate), or concurrent chemotherapeutic agents. Abrupt cessation of any prescribed neurological or oncological medication prior to or following biopsy can precipitate serious adverse events including status epilepticus, acute adrenal insufficiency, or increased intracranial pressure. All medication adjustments must be supervised exclusively by your treating neuro-oncologist or neurologist.
Exclusion Criteria — Do Not Proceed If:
- Inadequate or necrotic tissue sample (insufficient viable tumor cells for IHC staining)
- Non-formalin-fixed tissue submitted (alternative fixatives invalidate GFAP antigen retrieval)
- Missing or incomplete histopathology report and clinical history documentation
- Unlabeled or mislabeled specimen container — chain of custody violation per UAE CDS Law 2026
Emergency Red Flags — Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
- Acute onset severe headache with nausea, vomiting, or altered consciousness (signs of raised ICP)
- New-onset seizures, focal neurological deficits, or sudden visual disturbance
- Post-biopsy wound infection: erythema, purulent discharge, or fever above 38.3°C
- Sudden deterioration in speech, mobility, or cognitive function
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the GFAP immunohistochemistry test and when is it clinically indicated?
The GFAP immunohistochemistry test is a specialized tissue-staining procedure that detects glial fibrillary acidic protein in tumor biopsy samples to confirm astrocytic or glial cell origin. It is clinically indicated when a brain tumor is identified on MRI or CT imaging and the neurosurgeon or oncologist needs to determine whether the lesion is a primary glioma (such as an astrocytoma, glioblastoma, or ependymoma) versus a metastatic carcinoma, lymphoma, or other non-glial neoplasm. The also plays a vital role in subtyping gliomas for targeted therapy selection, including IDH-mutant and IDH-wildtype stratification per the 2026 WHO CNS Tumor Classification. In the UAE, GFAP IHC is routinely ordered by neuro-oncologists, surgical pathologists, and neurologists at DHA-licensed facilities and requires a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained via stereotactic biopsy or open surgical resection.
2. How should the tumor tissue sample be prepared and what documentation is required?
Tumor tissue must be submitted in 10% formal-saline solution or as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block shipped at room temperature with a copy of the histopathology report, biopsy site details, and complete clinical history. The specimen can be transported at ambient room temperature — no cold chain or dry ice is necessary for FFPE blocks, simplifying logistics for UAE patients. However, the accompanying documentation is mandatory: the referring physician must provide the original histopathology report (if prior biopsy was performed), the precise anatomical site of biopsy, and a comprehensive clinical history including symptom onset, radiological findings, and any prior oncological treatments. Incomplete documentation will result in specimen rejection per UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, Article 87, which mandates complete and accurate patient data for all diagnostic pathology services. Home collection for the tissue block is available via our ISO-certified VIP mobile phlebotomy service from 8 AM to 11 PM daily.
3. كم تستغرق نتيجة فحص GFAP وماذا تعني النتيجة الإيجابية أو السلبية؟
تستغرق نتيجة فحص GFAP خمسة أيام عمل لعينات الكتل النسيجية المضمنة بالبارافين (FFPE) وسبعة أيام للعينات النسيجية الكبيرة والمعقدة، حيث تشير النتيجة الإيجابية إلى وجود بروتين GFAP في الخلايا الورمية مما يؤكد الأصل الدبقي للورم. النتيجة الإيجابية تعني أن الورم يُظهر تمايزًا خلويًا دبقيًا (نجميًا)، وهذا يدعم تشخيص الأورام الدبقية مثل الورم النجمي أو الورم الدبقي متعدد الأشكال أو الورم البطاني العصبي، ولكن يجب دمج هذه النتيجة مع الفحص النسيجي الروتيني (H&E) ومؤشر التكاثر الخلوي (Ki-67) لتحديد درجة الورم وخطة العلاج. النتيجة السلبية لا تنفي تمامًا وجود ورم دبقي — فبعض الأورام الدبقية عالية الدرجة قد تفقد تعبير GFAP بسبب عدم التمايز الخلوي — ولذلك قد يوصي الطبيب بفحوصات مناعية إضافية مثل OLIG2 أو IDH1-R132H أو ATRX للوصول إلى تشخيص نهائي. بعد صدور التقرير، يتوفر استشاري علم الأمراض لدينا لتقديم إرشاد هاتفي مجاني لتفسير النتائج ومناقشة الخطوات التالية.
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DHA Facility License
#9834453
UAE CDS Law 2026
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Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2024
Home Collection Available Daily 8 AM – 11 PM | WhatsApp Support: +971 54 548 8731 | © 2026 — All Rights Reserved. This page is reviewed by DHA-licensed medical professionals.
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