A cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies that recognize the acidic and basic subfamilies of cytokeratin (non-overlapping) that are expressed by a wide range of epithelial tumors. Cytokeratin expression is a marker for carcinoma and can identify carcinomas in the context of undifferentiated malignancies. It has also been used to differentiate epithelial from non-epithelial tumors, although cytokeratins can be expressed in a restricted subset of non-epithelial tumors (e.g. melanoma, smooth muscle tumors, etc.) albeit at a lower level.
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.