Test Preparation : No special preparation required

Sample : Paraffin Blocks/Tissue in buffered formalin

Methodlogy : IHC

Description :

WHAT IS IT?

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a pathology and biomedical research technique used to visualize the presence, distribution, and localization of certain proteins within tissues. The HMW-K test, a form of IHC, looks for high molecular weight cytokeratins, which are important for epithelial cell structural integrity. This test is particularly important in cancer diagnoses since it offers vital information regarding the epithelial origin of cells inside a tissue sample. Because changes in cytokeratin expression patterns might signal cancer, the IHC-HMW-K test is critical for understanding tissue shape as well as detecting and categorizing disorders, particularly those affecting epithelial tissues.

WHY?

The Immunohistochemistry (IHC) High Molecular Weight-Cytokeratin (HMW-K) test is an important diagnostic tool in pathology and cancer. It specifically targets cytokeratins with high molecular weight, enabling for the exact identification and localization of epithelial cells within a tissue samples. Epithelial cells, which make up organ linings, are essential in a variety of biological activities. Pathological diseases, including cancer, can be indicated by abnormal cytokeratin expression patterns. The IHC-HMW-K test aids in the detection and categorization of cancers by distinguishing between normal and abnormal tissue. This improves diagnostic accuracy, allowing healthcare providers to make educated judgments about patient treatment and prognosis.

PRECAUTIONS 

High Molecular Weight-Cytokeratin (HMW-K) Immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests need high-quality tissue samples, adequate formalin fixation, and embedding in paraffin wax for thin sectioning. Antigen retrieval strategies improve antibody binding during IHC. Deparaffinization and rehydration are essential before starting the test, as are antigen blocking measures to avoid non-specific antibody binding. The main antibody is used, which is specific to high molecular weight cytokeratins, and incubation periods and concentrations are tuned. To increase the signal, a secondary antibody tagged with a detecting system is used. A microscope is used to see the stained tissue slices. To confirm the test's correctness, quality control procedures such as positive and negative controls are employed. Maintaining a clean laboratory environment and adhering to defined processes are critical for preventing contamination.