The Importance of Controls in Immunohistochemistry

The use of controls is crucial in any biological assay, but especially in immunohistochemistry, where there may be a number of variables and unknowns. Controls in IHC can help to determine if the staining observed is the result of the antibody binding specifically to its antigen or of off-target binding. Controls can also be used to determine if the protocol was performed successfully. This presentation includes:

• Target controls: cells and tissue
• Isotype controls: monoclonal and polyclonal
• Secondary-only controls: endogenous biotin, pigment, and mouse-on-mouse controls
• Peptide blocking controls for modification-specific antibodies
• Phosphatase controls for phosphorylation-specific antibodies