IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY: A VALUABLE TECHNIQUE IN DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY

摘要

The detection of antigens within cells or tissues using specific antibodies is not a new process in human or veterinary diagnostics but the use of these techniques on cytology specimens or immunocytochemistry (ICC) is still somewhat underutilized. There are several reasons for this, stemming from a list of problems and limitations often encountered with ICC. Some of these problems are preventable and others are not so easy to avoid. These proceedings will provide a brief review of some of the technical aspects of immunocytochemical (ICC) staining, some of the advantages and disadvantages of the technique and will provide some scenarios where ICC has been a valuable resource in our diagnostic tool kit. Several comprehensive articles are also available for those who wish more detailed information on the technique4'6'9'10'll.