Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Staining Services

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a cornerstone technique in modern pathology, biomedical research, and drug development. It combines the precision of immunology with the visual power of histology, allowing researchers to locate and quantify specific proteins within tissue sections. Our IHC staining services provide a reliable, highthroughput solution for academic labs, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical diagnostics.

Why Choose Professional IHC Staining?

Outsourcing IHC can accelerate project timelines, improve reproducibility, and reduce the need for costly inhouse equipment. Our core advantages include:

• Expertise: A team of certified histotechnologists and molecular pathologists with years of experience in assay optimization.
• Quality Control: Strict adherence to SOPs, batchtobatch consistency, and full documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Broad Antibody Portfolio: Access to over 2,500 validated primary antibodies, covering oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular, infectious disease, and more.
• Flexible Turnaround: Standard 5day processing, with expedited 48hour options for urgent projects.

Our IHC Workflow

1. Sample Reception & Evaluation

Samples are accepted as formalinfixed paraffinembedded (FFPE) blocks, freshfrozen tissue, or tissue microarrays (TMAs). Upon receipt, each specimen is logged, inspected for integrity, and matched with the requested protocol.

2. Sectioning & Slide Preparation

Using a precision microtome, we cut 35m sections onto charged glass slides. Slides are dried, baked, and stored under controlled humidity to preserve antigenicity.

3. Antigen Retrieval

Heatinduced epitope retrieval (HIER) or enzymatic methods are applied based on antibody requirements. Automated pressure cookers and water baths ensure consistent conditions.

4. Blocking & Primary Antibody Incubation

Nonspecific binding sites are blocked with serum or proprietary blockers. Primary antibodies are applied at optimized concentrations and incubated for 30minutes to overnight, depending on the target.

5. Detection System

We offer both chromogenic (DAB, Fast Red) and fluorescent detection platforms. Enzymelinked secondary antibodies paired with polymer detection kits provide high sensitivity and low background.

6. Counterstaining, Mounting & Imaging

Hematoxylin or nuclear fast red counterstains provide morphological context. Slides are coverslipped using aqueous or permanent mounting media, then scanned with a highresolution slide scanner for digital analysis.

7. Data Reporting

Each batch includes a detailed report containing:

• Antibody details and lot numbers
• Staining protocol (retrieval, incubation times, detection)
• Positive and negative controls
• Highresolution images (TIFF, JPEG) with optional annotation
• Quantitative analysis (percentage positivity, intensity scores) upon request

Specialized IHC Services

Multiplex IHC (mIHC)

Simultaneous detection of up to eight markers on a single tissue section using tyramide signal amplification (TSA). Ideal for tumor microenvironment profiling, immune checkpoint studies, and colocalization experiments.

Automation & HighThroughput Screening

Leverage robotic staining platforms capable of processing 100+ slides per run. Automation reduces variability and is perfect for largescale biomarker validation projects.

Custom Protocol Development

For antibodies without published protocols, our scientists design and validate custom conditions, including optimization of dilution, retrieval, and detection. We provide up to three iterative rounds until the desired signal-to-noise ratio is achieved.

PhosphoProtein & PostTranslational Modification IHC

Phosphorylation state preservation requires rapid fixation and specialized retrieval. Our dedicated phosphoIHC workflow maintains labile modifications for accurate signaling pathway analyses.

Quality Assurance

Every slide undergoes a twostage quality check:

1. Technical Review: Assessment of staining intensity, specificity, and background by a senior histotechnologist.
2. Pathologist Signoff: Boardcertified pathologists evaluate morphological integrity and confirm that the staining meets the studys criteria.

We also participate in external proficiency testing schemes (e.g., CAP, NordiQC) to benchmark performance against industry standards.

Regulatory & Compliance

Our facility is ISO15189accredited and complies with CLIA, GLP, and GMP guidelines where applicable. Documentation includes batch records, equipment calibration logs, and reagent certificates of analysis.

Pricing & Turnaround

Pricing is transparent and based on the number of slides, detection method, and any additional services (digital analysis, multiplexing, custom development). A typical singleplex chromogenic stain costs $45$65 per slide, with volume discounts available.

Getting Started

To request a quote or discuss your project, please provide the following information:

• Sample type (FFPE block, frozen, TMA)
• Number of sections per slide and total slides needed
• Target antigen(s) and preferred antibody (if known)
• Desired detection method (chromogenic, fluorescent, multiplex)
• Preferred turnaround time