[Histonet] QIHC

[Elizabeth Chlipala]

I'm going to have to chime in here.  One thing I need to say upfront is
that I served on the BOR when they were developing the QIHC.  The BOR
for the histotech exam committee consists of histology technicians,
histotechnologists, MD pathologists and veterinary pathologists, plus
the ASCP staff, so it encompassed a wide variety of individuals and
skill sets, both in research and clinical.  These are the individuals
who created the exam and the requirements for the exam.  I went to the
BOR guidelines online for the QIHC and as far as I can see that have not
changed.  Immunophenotyping has always been a pre-requisite for sitting
for this qualification.  This is what BOR requires:  
Immunophenotyping in at least one of the following applications 
*	immunodeficiencies 
*	immunoproliferative disorders (neoplastic and non-neoplastic
disorders) 
*	transplantation biopsies 
*	other immunophenotyping applications
please specify: ______________________ 
After looking online for the definition of immunophenotyping it is the
following: " IMMUNOPHENOTYPING refers to the technique of identifying
molecules that are associated with lymphoid cells and help to
characterize them". Such as cell surface markers, which I would
characterize broadly as CD markers.  I work in research and sat for the
QIHC last year.  In research we perform many Immunohistochemical stains
utilizing CD markers to determine what specific cell types are present
in certain disease states.  When I filled out my application last year I
selected the forth choice which is "immunophenotyping applications
other" and listed what types of CD markers I had worked with and the
type of projects and applications associated with them. I was able to
sit for the exam and so was my employee.  In my opinion many histotechs
in research have the necessary experience since they are performing
Immunohistochemical staining utilizing a wide variety of CD markers.   I
just don't see how in working in research you would not have the
pre-requisite to sit for this exam.  
Liz
Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC
Manager
Premier Laboratory, LLC
P.O. Box 18592
Boulder, Colorado 80308
Office: (303) 735-5001
Fax: (303) 735-3540
liz <@t> premierlab.com
www.premierlab.com
 
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