Where do I begin...  First of all, there is "NO" CAP regulation concerning the
use of the steamer for HIER.  The "saleperson" who said this is misinformed.

There "IS" a newly approved FDA immunohistochemical protocol for Her-2-neu
staining that DAKO has obtained.  Within this protocol, antigen retrieval is
performed using a heated waterbath method.... not a steamer or a pressure
cooker or any other Ag retrieval methology.  But this applies to DAKO's FDA
approved method for Her-2-neu immunohistochemistry ONLY!!!  (It is called
HercepTest)

Interestingly, this method also uses their "polyclonal" antibody.

There is a very good article in the October issue of CAP Today about this.


Robert Lott, HTL(ASCP)
Baptist Health System
Birmingham, AL