Due to the diversity of tissue and media in histopathology, there is significant variability in techniques for sample preparation and no single answer for best practices. However, some key contributing factors can be identified and should be carefully considered. One often overlooked factor is sectioning thickness and how it may impact overall staining performance.
November 22, 2022 – Biocare Medical, a leading provider of innovative, automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) and FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization) instrumentation and reagents, announces the acquisition of Empire Genomics, a market leader in molecular biomarkers to aid in cancer research and diagnostics. Empire Genomics is a premier designer, manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive menu of […]
To obtain the most specific detection of antigens by IHC, it is essential for all non-specific binding sites be blocked. Antibodies and detection systems used in IHC are mostly protein-based reagents, and so they are susceptible to non-specific protein binding. If these sites are left unblocked, the antibodies and detection system may bind them, leading […]
Due to the rapid rise in shipping and transportation costs, we will no longer be able to offer flat rate shipping for orders placed online. All orders including those placed online will now be invoiced at the actual shipping cost plus handling. You will still have the option to select either standard overnight or two-day […]
While every vendor strives to provide their customers with a product catalog that is as comprehensive as possible, the nature of IHC makes it impossible for everything to be offered by a single vendor. Therefore, instrument vendors allow customers to purchase empty reagent containers to program and load custom third-party reagents onto their instruments. For […]
While every vendor strives to provide their customers with a product catalog that is as comprehensive as possible, the nature of IHC makes it impossible for every vendor to offer every marker in every format. Therefore, instrument vendors make it possible for customers to purchase empty reagent containers and use them to program and load […]
Biocare’s MACH detection line utilizes the most sensitive detection technology available to provide users with crisp, clean, intense IHC staining. Customers have the choice of several MACH detection kits, depending on their staining needs. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to make a decision. Customers should asses the capabilities of each […]
For decades, the rich brown stain produced by DAB has made it the chromogen of choice for IHC stains. However, precautions must be taken due to the fact that DAB is a known mutagen and potential carcinogen. Since DAB is considered a hazardous material, disposal of DAB-contaminated waste is subject to environmental, health and safety […]
Antigen retrieval (AR) is a fundamental part of any IHC protocol. However, with so many different names for this one process, it can be difficult to recognize what an individual protocol or paper is referring to. Why is it sometimes called “retrieval” and other times simply “pretreatment?” Is ER the same as AR? What is […]
In the preparation of paraffin sections for staining, fixation and processing go hand in hand. Proper tissue fixation ensures tissue processing will be effective, and a lab’s chosen processing method may also influence their choice of fixative.1 Errors in the processing stage have the potential to seriously affect staining quality. However, because tissue specimens vary […]