[Histonet] Using expired reagents in IHC

[Richard Cartun]

It has been brought to my attention that the CAP Laboratory checklist
has been revised as of 9/30/04 and now includes a question, "Are all
immunohistochemical reagents used within their indicated expiration
dates?".  I have always believed that it is acceptable to use expired
regents (mainly primary antibodies) as long as their reactivity is
acceptable and documented.  Obviously, the expiration date that
manufactures use is not an accurate reflection of the reagent's
likelihood of poor performance.  Does anyone have information on this
change?  Thank you.

Richard

Richard W. Cartun, Ph.D.
Director, Immunopathology & Histology
Assistant Director, Anatomic Pathology
Hartford Hospital
80 Seymour Street
Hartford, CT  06102
(860) 545-1596
(860) 545-0174 Fax