Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Histological-Based Stainings Using Free-Floating Tissue Sections
Published on: August 25, 2020
Application of Immunohistochemistry in Cytology
Yan Shi1, Melissa Yee-Chang1, Shan-Rong Shi2
1Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY.
Insights
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in cytopathology is challenging due to complex preparations. This review discusses optimizing cell block preparation and using antigen retrieval for non-FFPE specimens to improve IHC standardization.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has transformed cytopathology practice.
- Performing IHC on cytology specimens presents challenges due to preparation complexity and limited material.
Approach:
- This review focuses on optimizing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell block (CB) preparation for IHC.
- It also explores the use of various cytology specimens with Antigen Retrieval (AR) for successful IHC staining.
- The role of positive controls and AR in standardizing IHC in cytology is also discussed.
Key Points:
- FFPE cell blocks are optimal for IHC in cytopathology.
- Antigen Retrieval (AR) enables successful IHC on non-formalin-fixed cytology specimens.
- Standardization of IHC in cytology relies on AR and appropriate controls.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing cell block preparation and employing AR techniques are crucial for reliable IHC in cytopathology.
- Standardized IHC protocols enhance diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility in cytopathology.
- Further research into AR and control strategies will advance IHC applications in cytology.
Abstract:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC), also referred to as immunocytochemistry in cytology literature, has revolutionized the practice of cytopathology. Because of the complexity of cytology preparation and limited diagnostic material, performing IHC remains a challenge. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell block (CB) is the optimal choice for IHC. In this review, the approaches for improving CB preparation will be discussed. When CB material is not available, various cytology specimens can also be used for IHC. With the utilization of Antigen Retrieval (AR) technique, these nonformalin-fixed cytology specimens can achieve successful IHC staining, comparable with the results from FFPE tissue sections. In the last part of this review, we will discuss the use of positive controls and the important role of AR in standardization of IHC in cytology.
More Related Videos
04:21Author Spotlight: Efficient Detection of Immune Cell-Infiltration in Cancer Tissues Using Fluorescent Immunohistochemistry
Published on: January 26, 2024
09:06Determination of Protein Expression Level in Cultured Cells by Immunocytochemistry on Paraffin-embedded Cell Blocks
Published on: May 20, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Immunocytochemistry and Immunohistochemistry
These...
Immunogold Electron Microscopy