Slide Surface Chemistry: Understanding an Essential Link to Obtaining Quality IHC Staining Results

With all the advancements in Histology over the past 100 years, placing tissue sections on glass slides continues to be a tried-and-true technique for preparing biopsies for microscopy. Sufficient adhesion of tissue sections to a glass slide is important for obtaining a quality section. With some of the automated stainers and harsher staining protocols used in Immunostains (IHC) testing, tissue adherence is an ever important, yet often overlooked, factor for preparing biopsies. In addition, automated staining platforms may rely on diffusion and mixing of reagents on a slide’s surface, so any anomalies in the charge on the slide’s surface may result in inconsistent staining results if reagents don’t disperse evenly over the tissue. The Mayo Clinic IHC Lab has placed a great deal of emphasis on understanding the basic, but hugely important, science of slide surface chemistry. We’ve performed extensive testing of parameters which may affect the charge on a slide’s surface regarding tissue adhesion and staining quality such as baking time and temp, slide type, tissue type, the age of the charged slide, and storage and handling. This has led us to major improvements in managing slide inventory, as well as making better choices for purchasing slides. As Histology and IHC labs continue to grow, the often-forgotten science of slide surface chemistry needs to be understood to minimize expensive test failures.

CEUs: This histology course is worth 1 continuing education credit. Course is available for 365 days from date of live airing.