A Primer on Immunostains

Abstract

The use of immunostains is a highly complex field in and of itself and one that is changing so rapidly that no printed text can really keep up. This chapter is meant as an introduction to the most commonly used stains so that you can at least follow the thread of conversation when the acronyms begin to fly. Stains are organized by the organ system in which they are most often used. In addition there is a table of immunostains known for staining one class of tumor and the lesser-known tumor families that may also stain with those markers, which are potential pitfalls for the beginner. A much more comprehensive reference on immunostains is Rekhtman and Bishop’s Quick Reference Handbook for Surgical Pathologists.