Performing IHC Staining Procedures in the Mohs Surgery Lab: Why the ‘Kit’ Approach May Not Be the Best Approach

Mohs IHC Staining Procedures: Why the ‘Kit’ Approach May Not Be the Best

Mohs surgery is a quick and highly effective procedure designed to treat skin cancer. This surgical procedure can be used to treat basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma and has success rates as high as 99 percent.¹ During a Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin are gradually removed from the skin cancer site until margins are clear and the cancer is removed. While some practices utilize a slow-Mohs procedure, which can take several days and processing of the specimen is performed off site, more Mohs micrographic surgery facilities are now offering same day results. Since the dermatologic surgeon acts as both the surgeon and the pathologist, immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be requested to aid in diagnosis. While ‘rapid-staining’ IHC kits are available for Mohs specimen, these kits may not ensure the highestpossible results or help contain operating costs. Alternatively, one can employ the necessary ‘individual’ reagents acquired from a vendor like Biocare Medical.