This is my point.  With the requirements listed below someone with 25 years of experience doing immuno (single, double, triple antibody staining, making own antibodies, and in situ Hybridization: all with and without using kits, all with and without using an automated stainer) is not qualified for this certification if they work in a research facility where immunophenotyping is not done. There is no system of doing it on your own to prove that you have the capability to do immunophenotyping in order to fullfil this requirement.  I guess it is time to start harrassing ASCP about the unfairness of this system. 
 
From almost always sunny San Diego
Jamie

	-----Original Message----- 
	From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of novanity@nc.rr.com 
	Sent: Wed 11/16/2005 5:55 AM 
	To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
	Cc: 
	Subject: [Histonet] RE: QIHC change
	
	

	James, to qualify for the qualification you take the 50 question test
	and submit an employer reference form + of course satisfy one of the
	three routes.  There is no practical to submit anymore.  I think that is
	what you are asking.  It seems to me that it wouldn't matter about
	specificity antigens/markers or what diseases or human cells.  There is
	no requirement other than what is requested on the employer reference
	form which you can't see the details until you order and receive your
	packet. Is it possible for anyone to post a copy of the employer
	reference form.  From the ASCP website this is what it says "
	
	Qualification in Immunohistochemistry
	Experience requirements
	
	Applicants must have experience in the following areas
	
	    * Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescence Preparation
	      All of the following should have been performed by the applicant
	          o staining technique
	          o selection of proper control material
	          o titration of immunologic reagents
	
	    * Immunophenotyping
	      in at least one of the following applications
	          o immunodeficiencies
	          o immunoproliferative disorders (neoplastic and non-neoplastic
	disorders)
	          o transplantation biopsies
	          o other immunophenotyping applications
	            please specify: ______________________
	
	    * Quality Assurance
	      The applicant should have participated in Quality Assurance
	related to all of the following
	          o specimen fixation, processing, microtomy
	          o reagent selection, preparation, storage, disposal
	          o method selection, validation, documentation
	          o quality control
	          o safety
	
	"  This is the experience which I am assuming is only documented for the
	ASCP through the employer reference form, hence if you only do A and C
	and not B you can't qualify unless your employer is dishonest on the
	form. Because even if you crosstrain into what I assume is flow
	cytometry but don't actually work it day to day as part of your job you
	do not qualify because you have not had experience doing it for a
	minimun of 12 months.  As for research, same thing if you do all of it
	every day then your good to go.  If not it is a grey or is it gray area
	 that I'm looking more information/details on.  In the past you
	qualified your work with different immuno stains as a practical , I
	don't remember there being a flow requirement.  Maybe I'm wrong but
	anyone have this info I'm looking for.
	
	G Hurlburt HT(ASCP)
	sunny and warm NC
	
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