[Histonet] IHC antibody Expiration question for CAP

[Sebree Linda A.]

We do not use expired antibodies.  For those that have a small volume of
requests or are diluted way out there, we buy concentrates in the
smallest volumes we can find.  Manufactures like NeoMarkers sell 100ul
sizes.  By carefully tracking usage and dilution factors, we rarely have
an issue with expiring antibodies.  Those few we do have that expire, we
send to Patsy Ruegg for her bank.

Linda A. Sebree
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
IHC/ISH Laboratory
DB1-223 VAH
600 Highland Ave.
Madison, WI 53792
(608)265-6596

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jason
and Heather
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 9:22 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] IHC antibody Expiration question for CAP

CAP question ANP.22432 states: Are all immunohistochemical reagents used
within their indicated expiration dates? 

I am wondering what labs across the country are doing to answer this
question. IHC antibodies are very expensive and can be validated on
every run that is made. Some of these concentrated antibodies are
diluted out so far that only a very small portion of them are used
before they expire. Are some labs still using outdated antibodies? If so
how do you get away with it when you are inspected by CAP? Or are you
paying the high prices to throw out the majority of your antibodies so
you can answer this question yes? 

I thank you in advance to your response.

Jason McGough HT(ASCP)
Account Representative - Anatomic Pathology
Clinical Laboratory of the Black Hills
2805 5th Street Suite 210
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-343-2267 Ext 127
605-718-3779 (Fax)
jmcgough <@t> clinlab.com


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