Hi,
    I believe this would be a perfect time to try a multi tissue block. You
could get the same testing out of one block that you could from 5-10 blocks
otherwise. We have been using micro-arrays (tiny biopsies of specific sites on
many known positive blocks) for this purpose.
    I don't think it would be necessary to send the tissue to other labs for
confirmation. It seems a bit excessive, but if that is how the doctors there
want it done then go ahead. I just think it is redundant and self limiting. What
if you decide to be the first to try an antibody or a coctail of them? If you
can't find anyone else that does the stain then no one can verify the results.
Also, other labs may use different clones or detection methods for the same
antibody. There are lots of sources of variation of the same stains with
acceptable results for both.
Amos Brooks

Jig1357@aol.com wrote:

> Hello to all,
>  I was wondering who out there is performing correlating studies when a new
> antibody is purchased.  One of our paths thought we should be doing this
> everytime we introduce a new antibody to our IP collection, which would mean
> sending 10 to 20 cases to a reference lab or other lab and have them stain
> them with the new Ab. Then also performing the same test in-house, then
> correlating the results. What are the rules (if any) on this sort of thing
> (for inspection purposes, etc.)?  Any info would be greatly appreciated.  I
> apologize if this subject has already come up....
>
> Thanks!
> Jeanne Godine
> Pathology Consultants