A comparison of immunohistochemical stain quality in conventional and rapid microwave processed tissues
Lyska L Emerson1, Sheryl R Tripp, Bradley C Baird
1Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
Abstract:
Same-day turnaround of pathology specimens is desirable in this era of managed care, and rapid microwave tissue processing produces histologic features of a quality equivalent to overnight processing. We studied whether microwave-assisted rapid tissue processing adversely affects the quality of immunohistochemical staining. We selected 30 specimens (20 neoplastic and 10 nonneoplastic) from our routine surgical pathology workload. Paired large tissue blocks were made from each specimen type, one for microwave-assisted rapid processing and one for conventional processing. Two microarrays of 60 punches each were made from the donor blocks. The microarray blocks were examined for intensity and extent of staining by 44 commonly used antibodies. Slides were reviewed independently by 2 pathologists blinded to the type of processing used. In 5,280 tissue punches examined, we found a high degree of concordance in quality, as measured by intensity and extent of immunohistochemical staining, between microwave and routinely processed tissues. Our study demonstrates that quality of immunohistochemical staining is similar between rapid microwave and conventional processing. The potential need for immunohistochemical analysis is not a contraindication for microwave-assisted rapid tissue processing.
Insights
Rapid microwave tissue processing maintains immunohistochemical staining quality, matching conventional methods. This allows for faster pathology turnaround without compromising diagnostic accuracy for immunohistochemical analysis.
Area of Science:
- Anatomic Pathology
- Histotechnology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Same-day pathology specimen turnaround is increasingly important in managed care.
- Rapid microwave tissue processing offers potential for faster histologic analysis.
- The impact of rapid processing on immunohistochemical staining quality requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if microwave-assisted rapid tissue processing affects immunohistochemical staining quality.
- To compare staining intensity and extent between rapid microwave and conventional tissue processing methods.
- To determine if immunohistochemical analysis is a contraindication for microwave-assisted rapid tissue processing.
Main Methods:
- Paired tissue blocks from 30 surgical pathology specimens (20 neoplastic, 10 nonneoplastic) were processed using rapid microwave and conventional methods.
- Microarrays of 60 punches each were created from donor blocks.
- 44 commonly used antibodies were employed to examine staining intensity and extent on the microarrays.
- Two pathologists independently reviewed slides, blinded to the processing method.
Main Results:
- A high degree of concordance was observed in immunohistochemical staining quality between microwave and conventionally processed tissues.
- Analysis of 5,280 tissue punches showed similar staining intensity and extent regardless of processing method.
- No significant adverse effect of microwave-assisted rapid processing on immunohistochemical staining was detected.
Conclusions:
- Microwave-assisted rapid tissue processing yields immunohistochemical staining quality comparable to conventional overnight processing.
- The study demonstrates that rapid microwave processing is suitable for specimens requiring immunohistochemical analysis.
- Faster pathology turnaround times are achievable without compromising diagnostic immunohistochemistry quality.
