[Histonet] edge artefact on core needle biopsy

[Gudrun Lang]

Hi all!

We had a discussion on the cause of IHC positivity/false-positivity on the
edges of core needle biopsies. (eg. breast, ER)

One said, it is due to overfixation with formaldehyde-concentrations above
5%. (=false pos.)

My opinion is, that's it's rather an effect of underfixation in the center
in those cases. (= real pos.)

 

In my lab, we rarely see this margin-effect and the biopsies are fixed for 6
hours at least.

I searched in Pubmed for publications on this assay, but without success.

Can anyone help me out with any literature? Or personal experience?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Gudrun Lang

Ltd. BMA Histolab Linz, Austria