Review of an Immunohistochemistry Educational Peer Review Program

Abstract

The College of American Pathologists Immunohistochemistry Survey Program is an educational peer review program that presently compares methodology and antibody use in approximately 600 laboratories in the United States. It is of value to surgical pathology laboratories where, in the last 20 years, immunohistochemistry has become an important tool in histological diagnosis. Twice yearly, participating laboratories receive paraffin sections and a list of antibodies to use. Laboratories complete the immunohistochemical procedures, rate the staining reactions, and select a diagnosis. Questions about methodology are occasionally asked. The College of American Pathologists collates the returned questionnaires and sends out a summary to each participating laboratory. Later, a final critique is distributed discussing the disease process, expected immunohistochemistry results, and methodology. The published results give laboratories the opportunity to compare their results with peer laboratories. The College of American Pathologists Immunohistochemistry Survey Program contributes to continuing quality improvement in immunohistochemistry laboratories. This survey program additionally fulfills the requirement of accrediting agencies for histology laboratories to participate in peer review programs. (The J Histotechnol 25:259, 2002)