IHC is a powerful diagnostic tool in cancer care. It helps pathologists identify specific tumor markers to determine the exact type of cancer in a tissue sample. This can help physicians understand what type of cancer is present and the best treatment to offer patients. The tool relies on antibodies, which act like cellular locks that fit perfectly with corresponding antigens in a sample. When the antibody binds to an antigen, a colored dye is activated that allows the pathologist to visually identify the area of interest in a sample. Learn more bosterbio.com

The ihc histology service was developed as a component of the AMPATH oncology programme and is housed in a dedicated laboratory within MTRH. It was a major undertaking that included coordinating the purchase or development of equipment, the organisation of the service and training of personnel.

Training was done through short group workshops and one-on-one instruction from local IHC experts as well as representatives of DAKO, the company providing the IHC reagents. Four histopathologists and four technicians were trained.

Immunohistochemistry Services: Why Precision Matters

The service also relies on good quality control procedures that are outlined in the standard operating procedures, including internal positive and negative controls for every batch of staining. In addition, IHC slides are sent to reference laboratories at IU School of Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco for further evaluation by North American pathologists. This is critical to ensure ongoing accuracy and reproducibility of results. Figure 2: Tonsil sections stained for Ki67, a nuclear marker of proliferating cells, with different levels of hematoxylin counterstaining.