IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, VIMENTIN

What this test checks

Detects vimentin, a protein expressed in cells of mesenchymal origin (connective tissue, muscle, blood vessel cells). Used to classify soft tissue tumours and identify mesenchymal differentiation.

Why do people get this test?

Vimentin helps characterise tumours arising from connective tissue (sarcomas) and supports tumour origin classification when combined with other markers.

When you should consider this test

• When classifying soft tissue tumours (sarcomas)
• When differentiating carcinomas with mesenchymal features from true sarcomas
• As part of undifferentiated tumour classification panels

How to prepare

No preparation needed — performed on biopsy or surgical tissue.