Diagnostic immunohistochemistry use in Belgian laboratories.

Area of Science:

• Medical diagnostics
• Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing has seen increased utilization in Belgium over the past decade.
• Information regarding specific reimbursed indications for IHC testing remains limited.
• Trends in diagnostic IHC usage require comprehensive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of diagnostic IHC testing in Belgium.
• To analyze recent trends in IHC test utilization and reimbursement.
• To identify the most frequent indications for diagnostic IHC staining.

Main Methods:

• Analysis focused on reimbursed IHC testing in Belgium.
• Data sourced from compulsory health insurance and pathology reports from 2019.
• Study limited to a maximum of 4 IHC stains per sampling session for diagnostic purposes.

Main Results:

• IHC use increased by 63.8% from 2012 to 2019, outpacing general histological/cytological examination growth (13.3%).
• Top stains in 2019 included H. pylori, Ki-67, and broad-spectrum cytokeratin (CK), used across various body sites.
• The gastrointestinal tract accounted for 38.2% of all IHC stains, with H. pylori being the most frequent stain in biopsies (43.1%).

Conclusions:

• The study presents frequent indications for diagnostic IHC staining in Belgium.
• Findings highlight the dynamic nature of IHC applications in diagnostics.
• There is a clear need to enhance clarity and improve data collection for IHC testing indications.