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Updated: May 16, 2026
A Next-generation Tissue Microarray (ngTMA) Protocol for Biomarker Studies
Published on: September 23, 2014
Tissue microarray technology and findings for diagnostic immunohistochemistry
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Pathology Queensland-The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia. anthony_van_Zwieten@health.qld.gov.au
Aims:
This study was undertaken to determine the validity and viability of tissue microarray (TMA) technology in assessing diagnostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) at a single laboratory site.
Methods:
IHC using 57 primary antibodies was performed on a TMA paraffin block containing 89 cores of duplicate previously identified 1 mm diameter tissue specimens. IHC was interpreted by a histology scientist with IHC experience, with pathologist assistance if required. Review of the literature was performed to investigate cases of unexpected immunoreactivity.
Results:
55 of 57 antibodies had expected positive staining against the TMA tissue panel that correlated with the original paraffin blocks. Immunostaining of duplicate 1 mm cores correlated with the originally sourced paraffin block in 42 of 43 (98%) tissue types. Some antibodies had unexpected positive immunoreactivity.
Discussion:
TMA technology can be utilised effectively in the diagnostic IHC laboratory as a universal positive multiple tissue control block for routine IHC, and can provide valuable information for the benefit of histology scientists and pathologists with respect to interpretation of IHC staining.
