Principles and Procedures
Visualization of the antigen present in tissue sections is accomplished in a multi-step immunohistochemical staining process, in conjunction with a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or alkaline phosphatase (AP) linked detection system. The process involves the addition of the stated antibody (primary antibody) to a tissue slide, followed by a secondary antibody (linked to an enzyme complex) which specifically binds to the primary antibody. A chromogenic substrate is then added which reacts with the enzyme complex, resulting in a colorimetric reaction at the site of the antigen. Results are interpreted using a light microscope.
Note
The recommended working dilution range is 1:50 - 1:200.
Reconstitution
The prediluted antibody does not require any mixing, dilution, reconstitution, or titration; the antibody is ready-to-use and optimized for staining. The concentrated antibody requires dilution in the optimized buffer, to the recommended working dilution range.
Instructions For Use
Recommended Staining Protocols for the Ki-67 [MBS344020] antibody:
Manual Use:
1. Pretreatment: Perform heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) at pH 9 for 10 to 30 minutes.
2. Peroxide Block: Block in peroxidase blocking solution for 5 minutes at room temperature. (Not required if using Alkaline Phosphatase System.)
3. Primary Antibody: Apply antibody directly (Predilute) or dilute antibody at 1:50-1:200 (Concentrate) before applying. Incubate antibody for 10 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
4. Secondary Antibody: Incubate for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
5. Substrate Development: Incubate DAB or Fast Red for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature.
6. Counterstain: Counterstain with hematoxylin for 0.5 to 5 minutes, depending on the hematoxylin used. Rinse with distilled water and blueing solution for 30 seconds.
7. Dehydrate and apply coverslip.
Automated Staining System:
The stated primary antibody has been optimized and validated using the BOND-MAX fully automated IHC & ISH stainer, applying IHC Protocol F. The following edits are recommended for the protocol:
a) Marker Incubation Time: 30 minutes
b) Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) is recommended using Leica Bond ER Solution 2 for 30 minutes.
c) Move Peroxide Block step to after Polymer and before Mixed DAB Refine.
Limitations
1. This antibody is intended for IVD use by qualified laboratories only and is not intended for use in flow cytometry.
2. Due to inevitable variability in immunohistochemical procedures and variables, appropriate positive and negative controls must be used and documented, and the results are to be interpreted by a qualified pathologist. Staining must be conducted in a certified, licensed laboratory, under the supervision and responsibility of the qualified pathologist.
3. Improper handling and processing of tissue samples may compromise the validity and/or analysis of the results.
4. Prediluted antibodies in a ready-to-use, optimally diluted format for use explicitly as instructed. Improper handling and processing of tissue samples and reagents, and any deviation from the recommended procedures outlined herein, may compromise the validity and/or analysis of the results. Due to the potential for variation in tissue processing and fixation, it may be necessary to adjust incubation time for the primary antibody on specific tissue specimens
5. Concentrated antibodies in a format that requires dilution in the optimized buffer, in the context of appropriate validation by the user. Any diluent different than that specified in the package insert must also be validated by the user to ensure proper compatibility with the antibody. Once diluted, any deviation from the recommended procedures outlined herein may compromise the validity and/or analysis of the results.
6. This antibody, when used with the appropriate detection systems and accessories, detects antigen(s) that remain intact through the tissue fixation, processing, and sectioning as described herein. Any deviations from these recommended procedures may compromised the validity and/or analysis of the results.
7. The clinical outcome indicated by staining results must be analyzed accurately by the qualified pathologist, and the patient’s medical history and other histopathological criteria must be taken into account. The user is responsible for interpretation of the results in the context of the patient.
8. Any documented discrepancies or unexplainable results in controls or tissue specimens should be reported to Technical Support Patient results are invalid if analysis of the positive and negative control tissues yields results other than those approved and described herein. The Troubleshooting section of this insert may be referred to for unexplained discrepancies in control tissues.
9. The potential for unexpected results in patient tissue specimens cannot be eliminated due to inherent biological variability in the expression of certain antigens.
10. The potential for false positive results in patient tissue specimens cannot be eliminated due to the possibility of non-immunological binding of substrate reaction products or proteins. False positive results may also occur subject to the type of immunostaining technique used, or due to the activity of pseudoperoxidase, endogenous peroxidase, or endogenous biotin.
11. Due to the effect of autoantibodies or natural antibodies, normal sera from an animal source the same as the
secondary antisera may result in false negative or false positive results when used in blocking steps.
12. Non-specific staining with horseradish peroxidase may be observed when using tissues containing hepatitis B surface antigen due to the patient’s infection with the hepatitis B virus.
Warnings and Precautions
1. Ensure proper handling procedures are used with all reagents. Always wear laboratory coats, disposable gloves, and other appropriate laboratory equipment when handling reagents.
2. Do not ingest reagents, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Wash eyes with copious amounts of water if contact occurs.
3. All incubation times and temperatures must be validated by the user, as must any storage conditions different than those specified in the package insert.
4. Prediluted antibody is provided in a ready-to-use, optimally diluted format, and any further dilution may result in loss of antigen staining.
5. Concentrated antibody requires dilution in the optimized buffer (refer to Materials and Methods), in the context of appropriate validation by the user.
6. Handle tissue sections, patient specimens, and all materials contacting them as biohazardous materials, using the appropriate precautions.
7. To ensure proper stability of the antibody and validity of results, use proper handling of the reagent and avoid microbial contamination.