Identifies epithelial membrane protein (EMA), a transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the MUC1 gene and stains normal and neoplastic cells from various tissues, including mammary epithelium, sweat glands, and squamous epithelium. Expression distinguishes metastatic from primary liver cancers, nerve sheath tumors, meningioma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and other tumors. Hepatocellular carcinoma, adrenal carcinoma, and embryonal carcinomas are consistently EMA negative, therefore keratin positivity with negative EMA indicates one of these tumors. When positive in meningioma, it can be useful in distinguishing it from other intracranial neoplasms such as Schwannomas. Negative EMA is also characteristic of tumors such as adrenal carcinoma, seminomas, paraganglioma, and hepatoma.
A formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block is preferred specimen typeorOne (1) unbaked, unstained slide for H&E staining (required) and two to three (2-3) positively charged unstained slides (all cut at 4-5 microns) for each test/antibody orderedBlock and slide identifiers should be clearly written and match exactly with the specimen ID and specimen labeling as noted on the requisition.
Use cold pack for transport. Make sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen.