[Histonet] IHC control debate

[Drew Sally A]

I think that besides checking Histonet archives for past discussions on
this, if you keep a file of freshly cut, freshly stained control slides
that you can go back to compare day-to-day results with, you will be
able to pinpoint fading stains better.

You may also want to have cut control slides inventory that coincides
with an estimated workload-for example, have 1 months-worth of tonsil at
room-temp and 2-3 months in a frost-free freezer.  If you have some at
both storage conditions, then you can check the staining quality versus
the control section's age as you optimize antibodies.

 

Although this is a generalization-most of the stains we've seen affected
by control age/storage conditions have been nuclear-staining antibodies.

 

Sally Ann Drew, MT (ASCP)

sdrew <@t> uwhealth.org

 

IHC/ISH Lab DB1-223, Mail Code 3224

600 Highland Ave.

Madison, WI 53792

Phone (608) 265-6596

Fax (608) 262-7174

 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Lynette
Pavelich
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:16 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu; fudo <@t> ufl.edu
Subject: [Histonet] IHC control debate

 

Hello,

I need help from all of our IHC expert guru's!  We have a debate going

on about the known positive control blocks.  All are FFPE with 8-48 hrs

in formalin.  All have been tested and have been approved for use as

positive controls.  We currently cut the positive control from the block

as needed.

I have learned that some controls do start to deteriorate over time,

tonsils for example.  But, is there a list, an article, SOMETHING that

can guide me so that we can cut some of these controls ahead of time? 

This would not only save tech time, but would further the use of our

controls.  In cutting the block, some of the good control is wasted and

some positives are hard to find.

My argument is that the purchased controls work wonderfully, even after

a very long time and our improved detection kits have improved so much

over the years, it makes this possible.

 

If there is no published article out there, I implore you experts to

please help us in this area.  Would also like to hear from the technical

experts from our suppliers too!  Until then, the debate continues

on!!!!!!!

 

Thank you!!

Lynette

 

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