What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you or someone caring for you needs more information about a tumor sample that has already been collected, typically after a breast or other cancer diagnosis. It looks at whether cancer cells have too much of a specific protein called HER-2, which can affect how a tumor behaves and which treatments may work best. It helps fill in an important piece of the puzzle when making decisions about a treatment plan.

What's included in this test?

This test uses a lab technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to examine tumor tissue and determine how much HER-2 protein is present on the surface of cancer cells. Pathologists interpret the staining pattern and intensity to assign a score that reflects whether the tumor is HER-2 negative, borderline, or positive. This single, focused result matters because it can influence eligibility for certain targeted cancer therapies.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your secure online account along with an explanation of what the HER-2 status result means. Depending on the result, next steps may involve discussing targeted therapy options or additional tissue-based testing, since HER-2 status often guides specific treatment choices. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account at any time, and if you have related testing done again in the future, you can track changes over time using the trends feature. If your result raises urgent concerns, seek medical care promptly.

How can I naturally support my body during cancer treatment decisions?

While no natural remedy changes a tumor's HER-2 status, supporting your overall health can help your body handle treatment decisions ahead. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, staying physically active as tolerated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or light exercise can all help you feel your best. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are also commonly recommended supportive steps.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically available within about 7 days after your tissue sample is processed at the lab. Because this involves detailed tissue analysis, it takes a bit longer than a standard blood test. You'll receive a notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is generally considered for people who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or another cancer type where HER-2 status matters, and who need this information to help guide treatment decisions. It's also relevant if a previous HER-2 test result was unclear or borderline and a repeat or confirmatory test is needed. This is a specialized test typically used as part of an established cancer workup rather than a general screening tool.

What does a HER-2 positive result mean?

A HER-2 positive result means the cancer cells have higher-than-normal amounts of the HER-2 protein, which can make the tumor grow faster in some cases. The good news is that HER-2 positive tumors often respond well to specific targeted therapies designed to work against this protein. This result is a key factor used to help shape an effective treatment approach.

What does a HER-2 negative result mean?

A HER-2 negative result means the cancer cells do not show elevated levels of the HER-2 protein. This means HER-2-targeted therapies are less likely to be effective for this particular tumor, and other treatment approaches based on different tumor characteristics would typically be more appropriate. Your full report explains where your result falls within the standard scoring categories.

What causes an unclear or borderline HER-2 result?

Sometimes a HER-2 test comes back in a borderline or equivocal range, meaning the staining pattern isn't clearly positive or negative. This can happen due to variations in how the tissue sample was handled, the specific area of the tumor tested, or natural variation within the tumor itself. When this happens, an additional confirmatory test on the same tissue sample is often recommended to get a clearer answer.

How often should I retest HER-2 status?

HER-2 status is not something that needs routine retesting like a cholesterol panel, since it reflects a fixed characteristic of a specific tumor sample. Retesting is usually only considered if a new tumor sample becomes available, such as after a recurrence, or if the original result was unclear and needed confirmation. Your ongoing testing needs will depend on your individual cancer history and treatment plan.

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.

HER-2 IHC Test - Cancer Tumor 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

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