IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the name of the procedure during which antibodies are being used to detect proteins (antigens) in the cells of a section of an organ (for instance the liver, the pancreas or the breast).
When a tissue sample is sent to the laboratory, it is sent in order to be examined for a disease. However, there can be a number of details which cannot be easily identified. A number of diseases, like some types of cancer, may look similar to one another or they might present similar cell structure under the microscope, while exhibiting different behavior and needing different treatment. The best way for a pathologist to determine which is the actual disease made apparent in the sample is to detect specific molecules in the cells that act as markers.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique that uses antibodies which can seek out, detect and attach themselves to these markers exhibited on the surface of cells. In this way, the pathologist is able to see under the microscope the fusion between antibody and marker. This in turn increases the likelihood of an accurate identification.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has found a large number of application in medicine, particularly in relation to the diagnosis of cancer. Lymphoma is one of the types of cancer which are most dependent on IHC for a successful diagnosis which will, in any case, also lead to the correct decision concerning the treatment.
Indicatively, the tests apply on the following:
- Identification of hormonal receptors and pharmacogenetic markers in breast cancer (ER, PR, HER2, Ki67)
- Identification of PD-L1 expression on non-small-cell lung cancer.
- Identification of p16 expression of possible HPV infection
- Investigation of microsatellite instability with the use of MMR proteins: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2
- Determination of NK-cells expression in repeated automatic rejections
- Determination of ALK expression in lung cancer
- Implementation of all the necessary antibodies for the successful diagnosis as well as the differential diagnosis (identification) of tumors.
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY PLATFORMS that our laboratory uses:
- LEICA Bond Max
- DAKO Autostainer Link 48
Quality assurance processes that “Microdiagnostiki” employs:
- Annual participation in EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT schemes in collaboration with centers in the U.K (UKNEQAS) and Finnland (LABQUALITY) that act as benchmarks.
- Every test is performed with INTERNAL CONTROLS
- Systematically, tests are ACCREDITED as per ISO 15189:2012 international medical accreditation.
