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Immunocytochemistry as an adjunct to diagnostic cytology

Marc Paul Dupré1, Monique Courtade-Saidi

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Hôpital Général de Saint Boniface, 409, avenue Taché, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R2H 2A6. mpdupre@gmail.com

Annales De Pathologie
|December 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is not yet a standard diagnostic test due to challenges like varied specimen types and lack of controls. Overcoming these barriers is crucial for integrating ICC into routine cytopathology.

Area of Science:

  • Cytopathology
  • Immunocytochemistry
  • Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine

Background:

  • Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a valuable tool for diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic assessment.
  • Its widespread adoption in routine diagnostic laboratories is currently limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the barriers preventing the routine use of ICC in diagnostic laboratories.
  • To emphasize the need for the cytopathology community to integrate ICC as a core diagnostic element.

Main Methods:

  • This study reviews the current challenges and limitations of implementing ICC in diagnostic cytology.
  • It discusses the implications of specimen variability, size, validation, and control specimens.

Main Results:

  • Significant barriers exist for the mass deployment of ICC, including diverse specimen preparations and small sample sizes.
  • Lack of standardized validation and control specimens further hinders widespread adoption.

Conclusions:

  • Immunocytochemistry faces substantial obstacles to becoming a routine ancillary test in most diagnostic labs.
  • The cytopathology field must prioritize overcoming these barriers to incorporate ICC effectively into diagnostic workflows.

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