Understanding Your Medical Laboratory Test: What Patients Need to Know
A laboratory test that detects the BCL2 protein in tissue samples to help diagnose certain cancers, particularly lymphomas.
{"BCL2 is a protein that regulates cell death (apoptosis)","The test uses stained tissue samples to detect BCL2 presence","Results help doctors diagnose lymphoma and predict cancer prognosis","Abnormal BCL2 expression may indicate cancer cells are not dying as they should","This is different from BCL2 blood tests - this uses tissue biopsy samples"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33054-8
- Short code
- BCL2IHC
- Synonyms
- BCL2 Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile container with 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for tissue fixation
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- CPT
- 88342
- SNOMED
- 395674008
- Specimen volume
- Tissue biopsy of adequate size for processing; minimum 3-4 mm tissue fragment
- Stability
- Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks stable for years at room temperature. Fresh tissue should be fixed within 1-2 hours of collection. Cut sections stable on slides for weeks at room temperature.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what information does it provide to my healthcare provider?
The BCL2 immunohistochemistry test is a specialized laboratory test performed on tissue samples (such as from a biopsy). It uses immune staining techniques to detect whether the BCL2 protein is present in the tissue cells. BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is an important protein that regulates apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death - the body's way of removing damaged or abnormal cells.
How is this test performed, and what can I expect during the procedure?
A tissue sample is taken during a biopsy procedure (such as from a lymph node or tumor). The tissue is then processed and treated with special antibodies that bind to the BCL2 protein. A colored dye is added, and the tissue is examined under a microscope. If BCL2 protein is present, the cells will show a distinctive staining pattern, indicating positive results.
Why is this test ordered, and what health conditions can it help detect or monitor?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect certain types of cancer, particularly B-cell lymphomas (like follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) or other cancers. The test helps confirm a cancer diagnosis, determine the specific type of cancer, and provide information about prognosis. BCL2 is sometimes called an 'anti-death' protein because high levels can allow abnormal cells to survive when they should normally die.
Reference range
Presence/absence reported. Positive staining indicates BCL2 antigen expression. Interpretation provided by pathologist with semiquantitative scoring (percentage of positive cells and intensity: 0, 1+, 2+, 3+). Normal lymphoid tissues show BCL2 expression in mantle zone and T-cell areas; germinal centers are typically negative.N/A
No fasting required. Tissue specimen collected via biopsy or surgical resection. Fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin is standard. Decalcification procedures may affect antigenicity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
BCL2 immunohistochemistry testing is primarily used in cancer diagnosis and classification. In lymphomas, BCL2 positivity often indicates a more indolent (slower-growing) cancer. The presence or absence of BCL2 helps pathologists distinguish between different types of lymphoma and can guide treatment decisions. In some cancers, high BCL2 expression may indicate resistance to certain chemotherapy drugs. The test is also used in research to understand cancer biology and predict patient outcomes.
Note: There appears to be a discrepancy between the test name (which specifies tissue) and the sample type listed (serum). BCL2 immunohistochemistry is typically performed on tissue biopsy samples, not blood/serum. Please confirm with your healthcare provider the exact sample type required for your specific test.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test different from a BCL2 blood test?
Does a positive BCL2 result mean I have cancer?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare in any special way for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy