What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you or a pathologist are trying to figure out where a tumor started, especially when a biopsy shows abnormal cells but the origin isn't clear. It's often used after a suspicious growth, lump, or mass has already been biopsied and tissue needs further analysis. This test helps determine whether the abnormal cells came from epithelial (skin or lining) tissue, which is a key step in understanding a diagnosis.

What's included in this test?

This test uses a single antibody cocktail (Cytokeratin AE1/AE3) applied to a tissue sample to check for a protein pattern found in epithelial cells. The result shows whether the sampled cells stain positive or negative, which helps clarify whether a tumor likely originated from epithelial tissue versus another cell type. This kind of information matters because it narrows down the possible source of an unusual growth and guides further testing.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative stain result means for the tissue sample tested. Because this is a specialized pathology test tied to a specific biopsy, next steps usually involve reviewing the written interpretation alongside the original biopsy findings rather than general lifestyle changes. The full lab report, including the pathologist's interpretation, is downloadable from your account at any time. If you have ongoing monitoring needs, you can track related results over time using the trends feature in your account.

How can I naturally support healthy tissue and immune function?

While this test itself measures a specific protein marker in tissue and isn't something you can influence with lifestyle changes, supporting your overall health can help your body manage illness and recovery better. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying active, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol are all steps linked to better tissue health and immune function. Getting enough sleep and managing stress also support your body's natural repair processes. These habits won't change a pathology result, but they support your overall wellbeing during a diagnostic process.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days after your sample is processed at the lab. This turnaround reflects the detailed nature of tissue staining and pathologist review needed for accurate interpretation. You'll receive a notification once your results are posted to your account so you can view the full report.

Who should consider this test?

This test is generally used by pathologists and clinical teams working through a diagnostic workup after a biopsy has revealed an unusual mass or abnormal cell growth. It's a good next step when the origin of a tumor isn't obvious just from looking at the tissue under a microscope. People navigating a new cancer diagnosis or unexplained mass finding are the most common candidates for this kind of follow-up testing.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

This test isn't typically ordered based on symptoms directly — it's used after imaging or a biopsy has already found an unexplained lump, mass, or abnormal tissue growth. Symptoms that might lead to that initial biopsy include a new lump you can feel, unexplained swelling, unusual lymph node enlargement, or findings on a scan that need further clarification. If you're experiencing any of these, the appropriate first step is usually imaging or a biopsy, with this stain test used afterward on the collected tissue.

What is epithelial origin and why does it matter?

Epithelial tissue is the type of tissue that lines your skin, organs, and glands, and many common cancers start in these cells. Knowing whether a tumor has an epithelial origin helps narrow down what type of cancer it might be, since different cancer types are treated very differently. This is why pathologists use markers like Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 as an early step in classifying unknown tumors.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the tested cells showed a staining pattern consistent with epithelial origin, suggesting the tumor likely developed from skin, gland, or lining tissue rather than muscle, nerve, or blood cell types. This is one piece of a larger puzzle pathologists use to classify a tumor and figure out its likely source. It doesn't diagnose a specific cancer type on its own — additional stains and clinical information are usually needed to reach a full picture.

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

If your stain result is inconclusive or doesn't clearly point to a tissue origin, additional immunohistochemical stains are often needed to build a fuller picture, since this test is rarely used alone. Review the full written interpretation in your report, which explains what the pathologist observed in your specific sample. If your situation involves a new mass or possible cancer diagnosis, prompt follow-up on additional testing is important, so don't delay scheduling any recommended next steps.

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.

Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 Test - Tumor Origin & Cancer Workup

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]

Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 Tumor Origin Pathology Test

Cytokeratin AE1/AE3, 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's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 Tumor Origin Pathology Test

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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