Test Price
550 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Immunohistochemistry Melan-A (MART-1) Test in UAE | 550 AED
Category: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) — Melanocytic Lineage Marker | Facility License: 1143
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
Accuracy Guarantee: 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity achieved through ISO 9001:2015 accredited immunohistochemistry processing (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139). Our automated IHC platform utilizes high-affinity monoclonal Melan-A (A103/M2-7C10) antibodies validated against curated clinical datasets for melanocytic lesion confirmation with unparalleled specificity.
Secure Medical Courier Solid Tissue Specimen Retrieval: This test is performed exclusively on archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor blocks or tissue sections. Specimens are retrieved via a certified medical courier under strict chain-of-custody protocols. Mobile home phlebotomy is not applicable for tissue-based analyses.
Clinical Guidance: Complimentary telephonic post-test clinical guidance with result interpretation provided by our DHA-licensed clinical team. Direct Billing Insurance Verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Melan-A (MART-1) Immunohistochemistry Test is a definitive tissue-based immunostaining assay that detects the Melan-A protein — a melanocyte differentiation antigen encoded by the MLANA gene — within formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor sections. This test is the first-line IHC marker for confirming melanocytic lineage in suspected melanoma, distinguishing primary and metastatic melanoma from non-melanocytic malignancies, and guiding targeted immunotherapy decisions. Performed under strict DHA laboratory protocols, our assay delivers diagnostic clarity for oncologists and surgical pathologists managing cutaneous, mucosal, and uveal melanocytic lesions.
| Parameter | Our Melan-A IHC Test | Closest Alternative (HMB-45 IHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Sensitivity | 85–97% (Superior for epithelioid melanoma) | 69–93% (Lower in spindle cell variants) |
| Methodology | Automated IHC Platform with polymer-based detection | Manual/Semi-Automated IHC with avidin-biotin complex |
| Turnaround Time | 5–7 days (Tissue-dependent) | 7–10 days (Variable) |
| Antibody Clone | A103 / M2-7C10 (Gold Standard) | HMB-45 (pmel17/gp100 target) |
| UAE Regulatory Compliance | DHA Licensed + ISO 9001:2015 | Variable by facility |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
"As a specialist in diagnostic radiology with a focus on oncologic imaging and tissue-based diagnostics, I emphasize that a positive Melan-A IHC result is a powerful diagnostic indicator but must always be correlated with histomorphology, clinical presentation, and a complete immunohistochemical panel. Melan-A expression can rarely occur in non-melanocytic tumors, including perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) and adrenocortical carcinomas. Therefore, I strongly advise that all results be interpreted within the full context of your histopathology report and discussed with your treating oncologist or dermatologic surgeon before any therapeutic decision is made."
— Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, Specialist Diagnostic Radiology, DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Critical Advisory — Medication Continuation
⚠️ Medication Advisory
Do not discontinue any prescribed medication, including immunotherapy agents, targeted therapy, or corticosteroids, without consulting your treating physician. This IHC test is performed on excised tumor tissue and does not require alterations to your current medication regimen. Changes to your treatment plan based on Melan-A results must only be made under direct medical supervision.
Exclusion Criteria & Safety Red Flags
Exclusion Criteria (Specimen Rejection)
- Inadequate tissue quantity (insufficient tumor cellularity for reliable IHC interpretation)
- Improper fixation — specimens not submitted in 10% neutral buffered formalin
- Decalcified bone specimens (acid decalcification abolishes Melan-A immunoreactivity)
- Missing or incomplete histopathology report and clinical history
- Crushed or cauterized tissue with extensive thermal artifact
🚨 Emergency Red Flags — Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Rapidly enlarging, bleeding, or ulcerating skin lesion
- New-onset neurological symptoms (headaches, seizures, focal weakness) in melanoma patients
- Unexplained bone pain, jaundice, or significant unintentional weight loss
- Shortness of breath or persistent cough with known melanoma history
- Visual disturbances or eye pain suggestive of uveal melanoma progression
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the Melan-A (MART-1) immunohistochemistry test used for, and why has my doctor ordered it?
The Melan-A IHC test is a specialized staining procedure that detects the Melan-A protein to confirm melanoma diagnosis. Your doctor has ordered this test to determine whether a tumor — either from a skin biopsy or from a metastatic site — originates from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). A positive Melan-A result strongly supports a diagnosis of melanoma and helps differentiate it from other cancers such as carcinoma, lymphoma, or sarcoma. This information is critical for staging, treatment planning, and assessing eligibility for immunotherapy agents targeting melanocytic antigens.
2. How should I prepare for the Melan-A IHC test, and will it be painful?
No patient preparation is required for this test as it is performed on previously collected tumor tissue. The Melan-A IHC test is conducted in the laboratory on tissue that was already obtained during your biopsy or surgical excision — there is no additional procedure, needle stick, or patient involvement required. You do not need to fast, adjust medications, or make any physical preparations. Your tissue specimen is processed and stained on our automated platform, and the results are interpreted by our DHA-licensed specialist.
3. What does a positive Melan-A IHC result mean, and what are the next steps?
A positive Melan-A IHC result strongly indicates melanocytic differentiation consistent with melanoma or related melanocytic lesions. However, a positive result alone is not a standalone diagnosis — your pathologist will integrate the Melan-A staining pattern with tumor morphology and additional markers (such as HMB-45, S-100, and SOX10) to render a definitive diagnosis. If melanoma is confirmed, your oncologist will discuss staging, surgical margins, sentinel lymph node status, and potential systemic therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors or BRAF-targeted agents. You are entitled to a complimentary post-test consultation to review your pathology report in detail.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Data Protection: This test is performed in full compliance 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 confidentiality and data security are maintained through encrypted storage, role-based access controls, and strict audit trails.
Clinical Safety: All tissue handling and diagnostic procedures adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, ensuring that patient consent, safety protocols, and professional accountability are upheld at every stage.
Accreditation: ISO 9001:2015 — Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139 | DHA Facility License: 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE — DNA Labs UAE.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Immunohistochemistry Melan-A (MART-1) |
| Price (AED) | 550 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 5–7 working days |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Tumor Block or Tissue Sections |
| Methodology Used | Automated Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with polymer-based detection system |
| ICD-10-CM Code | C43.9 (Malignant melanoma of skin, unspecified) |
| LOINC Code | 94836-4 (Melan A [Presence] in Tissue by Immune stain) |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License: 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE — DNA Labs UAE |
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