Immunohistochemistry Services
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to check for antigens in tissue samples. The antibodies are linked to an enzyme or a dye that can be visualized under a microscope. When the antibody binds to the antigen, it causes the enzyme or dye to change color. The color can then be seen under the microscope. This link bosterbio.com
IHC is a very valuable tool for pathologists. It helps them identify tumor cells and distinguish between different types of cancers. It also helps them see whether or not a patient may benefit from specific life-saving treatments. For example, IHC can tell the difference between small-cell and non-small cell lung cancer and is required to diagnose some rare types of lymphoma. IHC is also required to test for mutations in cancer cells that will respond to immunotherapy.
Custom Monoclonal Antibodies: The Future of Targeted Research
While many different IHC tests are available, it’s important to select the right ones for each case. It’s also important to optimize the IHC process. This means ensuring that the sample is properly fixed and preserved, that the antibodies are working well, and that the results are clear.
In some cases, a lab might use premanufactured IHC kits that have been optimized for their laboratory’s protocol and tissue type. These kits obviate the need for laboratories to validate their own reagents because they include recommended dilutions and protocols. However, these preoptimized kits might not work as well on actual clinical samples because of differences in fixation and processing protocols.