What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're following up on a biopsy or tissue sample where a pathologist needs to identify what type of cells are present. ALK1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) helps characterize abnormal cells, which is often part of working up a possible cancer diagnosis, such as certain lymphomas or lung tumors. It's typically ordered as a specialized follow-up test rather than a routine screening.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account along with an explanation of what the findings mean for the tissue sample tested. Because this is a specialized interpretive test, the report will describe whether the marker was detected and what that suggests about the cells examined. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if further testing or monitoring is needed, you can track any related results over time using the trends feature. If your results suggest something urgent, seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

This test is generally used for people who already have a tissue or biopsy sample that needs further characterization, often after imaging or another test found something unusual. It's commonly used to help sort out certain types of lymphoma or lung tumor cells. If you've been told a sample needs specialized marker testing, this is the kind of test that would apply.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms that might lead to this kind of specialized testing include unexplained lumps or swollen lymph nodes, persistent cough or chest symptoms, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue that doesn't go away. These symptoms alone don't point to a specific diagnosis, which is why tissue-level marker testing like this can help clarify what's going on at the cellular level. This test is usually a next step after imaging or a biopsy, not a first-line symptom check.

What is ALK1 and why does it matter?

ALK1 stands for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase 1, a protein that can show up on the surface of certain abnormal cells. Testing for it helps identify specific types of cancer cells, such as some lymphomas and lung cancers, because ALK1 is present in these cells but not in most normal, healthy cells. Knowing whether a sample is ALK1-positive or negative helps characterize exactly what kind of cells are being dealt with.

What does a positive ALK1 result mean?

A positive result means the cells in the sample are expressing the ALK1 protein, which points toward a specific category of abnormal cells, such as ALK-positive lymphoma or lung tumor cells. This is an important piece of the puzzle used alongside other tests to characterize the sample fully. A positive result is a lab finding, not a full diagnosis, so it should be considered alongside the rest of the pathology report.

What does a negative ALK1 result mean?

A negative result means the cells tested did not show the ALK1 marker, which helps rule out ALK-related cell types from consideration. This narrows down the possibilities and helps focus on other markers or explanations for the tissue findings. A negative result doesn't mean everything is normal — it simply removes ALK1-related conditions from the list of possibilities.

How often should I retest?

This isn't a routine test you'd repeat on a schedule — it's typically ordered once for a specific tissue sample to answer a specific question. If a new sample or biopsy is taken later, such as for monitoring treatment response, ALK1 testing might be repeated at that time. Any decision to retest should be based on new tissue findings rather than a fixed timeline.

What should I do if my results are unclear or concerning?

If your report shows a positive or unexpected result, the most important next step is to make sure the finding is reviewed alongside your full pathology report and any imaging you've had. Keep a copy of your downloadable report for your records and bring it to any follow-up testing or specialist visits. If you're experiencing worsening symptoms like severe pain, difficulty breathing, or rapid swelling, seek medical care right away.

What other tests are often done alongside ALK1 IHC?

ALK1 is usually one of several immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers run together on the same tissue sample to build a full picture of the cell type. Other CD markers and stains are often tested at the same time to narrow down the specific diagnosis. Looking at your full IHC panel report together, rather than one marker alone, gives the clearest picture of what the cells represent.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

ALK1 IHC Test - Cancer Cell Marker Analysis

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

ALK1 Tissue Marker Test (IHC with Interpretation)

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase 1 (ALK1), IHC with Interpretation

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

ALK1 Tissue Marker Test (IHC with Interpretation)

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say