Sign in →

Test Code P16 p16 (INK4a/CDKN2A) Immunostain, Technical Component Only


Ordering Guidance


This test includes only technical performance of the stain (no pathologist interpretation is performed). If diagnostic consultation by a pathologist is required order PATHC / Pathology Consultation.



Shipping Instructions


Attach the green "Attention Pathology" address label (T498) and the pink Immunostain Technical Only label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.



Specimen Required


Specimen Type: Tissue

Supplies: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope (T693)

Container/Tube: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope

Preferred:

-Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block

OR

-2 Unstained, positively charged glass slides (25- x 75- x 1-mm) per test ordered; sections 4-microns thick

Acceptable: None


Secondary ID

70524

Useful For

Aids in the identification of human papilloma virus infection

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
IHTOI IHC Initial, Tech Only No No
IHTOA IHC Additional, Tech Only No No

Method Name

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Reporting Name

p16 (INK4a/CDKN2A) IHC, Tech Only

Specimen Type

TECHONLY

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
TECHONLY Ambient (preferred)
  Refrigerated 

Reject Due To

Wet/frozen tissue 
Cytology smears 
Nonformalin fixed tissue 
Nonparaffin embedded tissue 
Noncharged slides 
ProbeOn slides 
Snowcoat slides 
Reject 

Clinical Information

p16 (INK4a/CDKN2A) is a cell cycle regulatory protein that is overexpressed in cervical dysplasia related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Nuclear and cytoplasmic staining is seen in dysplastic squamous cervical epithelial cells infected with HPV but not in normal cells. A subset of pancreatic islet cells and dendritic cells show expression of p16 and can serve as positive control.

Interpretation

This test does not include pathologist interpretation, only technical performance of the stain. If interpretation is required, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation for a full diagnostic evaluation or second opinion of the case.

 

The positive and negative controls are verified as showing appropriate immunoreactivity. If a control tissue is not included on the slide, a scanned image of the relevant quality control tissue is available upon request; call 855-516-8404.

 

Interpretation of this test should be performed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.

Cautions

Age of a cut paraffin section can affect immunoreactivity. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature and are antigen dependent. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut within 6 weeks.

 

The charge of glass slides can be affected by environmental factors and subsequently may alter slide staining. Sending unsuitable glass slides can result in inconsistent staining due to poor slide surface chemistry.

 

Best practices for storage of positively charged slides:

-Minimize time slides are stored after being unpackaged

-Limit exposure to high humidity and heat

-Minimize exposure to plastics

Clinical Reference

1. Castle PE. A LASTing impression: incorporating p16 immunohistochemistry into routine diagnosis of cervical neoplasia. Pathol Case Rev. 2013;18:154-157

2. Doxtader EE, Katzenstein AL. The relationship between p16 expression and high-risk human papillomavirus infection in squamous cell carcinomas from sites other than uterine cervix: a study of 137 cases. Hum Pathol. 2012;43(3):327-332

3. El-Naggar AK, Westra WH. p16 expression as a surrogate marker for HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma: a guide for interpretative relevance and consistency. Head Neck. 2012;34(4):459-461

4. Klaes R, Benner A, Friedrich T, et al. p16INK4a immunohistochemistry improves interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Am J Surg Pathol. 2002;26(11):1389-1399

5. Singhi AD, Westra WH. Comparison of human papillomavirus in situ hybridization and p16 immunohistochemistry in the detection of human papillomavirus-associated head and neck cancer based on a prospective clinical experience. Cancer. 2010;116(9):2166-2173

6. Abdelhakam DA, Huenerberg KA, Nassar A. Utility of p16 and HPV testing in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: An institutional review. Diagn Cytopathol. 2021;49(1):54-59

7. Magaki S, Hojat SA, Wei B, So A, Yong WH. An introduction to the performance of immunohistochemistry. Methods Mol Biol. 2019;1897:289-298. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-8935-5_25

Method Description

Immunohistochemistry on sections of paraffin-embedded tissue.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

Until staining is complete.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

88342-TC, primary

88341-TC, if additional IHC

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
P16 p16 (INK4a/CDKN2A) IHC, Tech Only Order only;no result

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
70836 p16 (INK4a/CDKN2A) IHC, Tech Only Bill only; no result

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Immunohistochemical (IHC)/In Situ Hybridization (ISH) Stains Request (T763) with the specimen.