2014/12/01 by Fan Lin, Zongming Chen
paper · doi:10.5858/arpa.2014-0074-ra
crossref created 2014/11/26 · crossref issued 2014/12/01 · crossref published 2014/12/01 · crossref published-print 2014/12/01 · crossref deposited 2025/12/03 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29
Context Immunohistochemistry has become an indispensable ancillary technique in anatomic pathology laboratories. Standardization of every step in preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic phases is crucial to achieve reproducible and reliable immunohistochemistry test results. Objective To standardize immunohistochemistry tests from preanalytic, analytic, to postanalytic phases. Data Sources Literature review and Geisinger (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania) experience. Conclusions This review article delineates some critical points in preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic phases; reiterates some important questions, which may or may not have a consensus at this time; and updates the newly proposed guidelines on antibody validation from the College of American Pathologists Pathology and Laboratory Quality Center. Additionally, the article intends to share Geisinger's experience with (1) testing/optimizing a new antibody and troubleshooting; (2) interpreting and reporting immunohistochemistry assay results; (3) improving and implementing a total immunohistochemistry quality management program; and (4) developing best practices in immunohistochemistry.