The effect of fixation and processing on the sensitivity of oestrogen receptor assay by immunohistochemistry in breast carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of different fixation and processing regimens on the assessment of oestrogen receptor (ER) by immunohistochemistry (IHC).


METHODS
The ER results for 420 patients from seven different hospitals in which antigen retrieval and IHC were performed centrally were compared. The intensity of ER positivity was assessed semiquantitatively using the Quick score (range 0-7). The scoring profiles of cases from each different source (hospital) were compared to detect differences in the proportion of cases that were negative (Quick score = 0), moderately positive (Quick score = 1-5), and strongly positive (Quick score = 6-7).


RESULTS
There were no significant differences (p = 0.3; kappa(2) test) in the proportion of cases in each category.


CONCLUSIONS
None of the fixation or processing regimens had a significant adverse effect on the sensitivity of the ER assessment performed by automated immunohistochemistry.
Lee
H
H
Department of Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF14 4XN, Wales, UK. douglas-jones@cf.ac.uk
Douglas-Jones
A G
AG
Morgan
J M
JM
Jasani
B
B
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000592:standards; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D016707:Tissue Fixation
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen