[Histonet] Oven Temps and baking times used for IHC's

[Eileen Akemi Allison]

Good morning Histo Peeps!

I am taking a poll on what various labs are using for temperature and times for IHC’s slides which are baked in the oven.  It has been my experience while working at Biocare Medical, we would 1st wick excess water off the slides, then tap the rack of slides on paper; then subsequently place the rack of slides in a 36 degree oven for 30 minutes, then up the temperature to 60-62 degrees for an additional time of 30-60 minutes.  Sorry, my brain cells can’t remember which length of time in 60 degrees, I left Biocare Medical in 2006.  My ex, David Tacha, Ph.D, HT/HTL gave several workshops on this subject internationally.

The UCSF Surgical Pathology lab 1st wicks excess water off, then bakes their IHC slides at 62 degrees for 2 hours.  I have consulted w/ some labs who bake their IHC slides at 76 degrees for 20 minutes.  It has been my experience that higher than 62 degree temps will make the Ab lose their antigenicity.  CK Ab’s love a higher temp but most other Ab’s do not.

Any thoughts, information, and papers on this subject would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you and have a wonderful upcoming weekend!

Best regards,
Akemi

Akemi Allison-Tacha BS, HT/HTL (ASCP)
Pathology Laboratory Manager at Golden State Dermatology
370 N Wiget Lane, Suite 250, Walnut Creek. CA 94598
Cell: (408) 335-9994
Email: aallison at gsdermca.com <mailto:aallison at gsdermca.com>
Website: www.goldenstatedermatology.com <http://www.goldenstatedermatology.com/>