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Updated: May 30, 2026

Immunocytochemistry: Human Neural Stem Cells
Published on: August 24, 2007
Immunocytochemistry: an indispensable technique in routine cytology
1Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. lambert.skoog@karolinska.se
Insights
Immunocytology enhances diagnostic accuracy by identifying prognostic and therapeutic markers. Proper specimen preparation and antibody selection are crucial for reliable immunocytochemistry results in various applications.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Immunocytology is a vital tool complementing cytomorphology.
- It significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and identifies key markers.
- These markers aid in prognosis and targeted therapy selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immunocytochemistry techniques and applications.
- To discuss specimen preparation, fixation, and antibody selection.
- To provide guidance on staining panels and marker utility.
Main Methods:
- Review of immunocytochemistry principles and practices.
- Summary of antibody specificities for common tumors.
- Discussion of targeted therapy and theranostic markers.
Main Results:
- Proper specimen preparation and fixation ensure reliable antibody performance.
- Specific staining panels are suggested for various tumor types.
- Immunocytochemistry aids in identifying infectious agents.
Conclusions:
- Immunocytology is indispensable for modern diagnostics.
- It enables personalized medicine through targeted therapy and theranostics.
- Standardized protocols are key to maximizing immunocytochemistry's diagnostic power.
Abstract:
Immunocytology is today accepted as an indispensable adjunct to cytomorphology. It has led to a dramatic increase in diagnostic accuracy and also allowed the identification of markers both for prognosis and targeted therapies. Most commercially available antibodies will perform in a reproducible and reliable way provided that the cytological specimen has been prepared and fixed properly. In this review various aspects of immunocytochemistry such as preparation of cytological specimens, fixation and choice of antibodies will be discussed. The specificity of the most commonly used antibodies is summarized and staining panels for various tumours are suggested. In addition, the use of markers for targeted therapy and theranostics is discussed, as well as a brief section on the identification of infectious agents.
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