IHC Optimization and Validation: Real World Solutions for a Standardized Approach

Course overview

This presentation will enable participants to fully grasp why optimization and validation are critical to creating a standardized approach to immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the clinical setting. Other presentations focus on meeting accreditation standards; however, a recognisable gap exists between accreditation requirements and the development of a comprehensive understanding of why the standards exist. The presentation will begin with a review of the theory and practicality of optimization, common to all IHC assays. Tools will be given to participants to introduce standardization into their own optimization procedures. Once an insight into the landscape of variability, with over four million possible assay protocols, is established, participants will be led through the validation phase, including the requirements for predictive markers. Again, theory, practice and tools will be shared. Participants are expected to come out of this presentation with the means to standardize the introduction of new IHC assays in their own laboratories.