Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Services
Manual : $40/slide and Leica Bond: $50 (If antibody is provided by iHisto, an additional cost of $15/antibody)
beta-Catenin antibody
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Services and Staining
At iHisto, we provide reliable and high-quality immunohistochemistry (IHC) services combined with optimized IHC staining for a wide range of research and preclinical studies. Our services are designed to detect specific antigens in tissue sections using validated antibody protocols and advanced staining techniques. Whether you're studying disease progression, therapeutic response, or protein expression, our IHC services help you generate publication-ready results with clarity and speed.
What is Immunohistochemistry (IHC)?
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a powerful technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins within preserved tissue sections. This method enables researchers to visualize the spatial distribution and intensity of target antigens, supporting both qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis. IHC staining is widely used in oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and drug development.
At iHisto, our immunohistochemistry services are tailored to your study needs—whether you're working with mouse, rat, or other preclinical tissue models. We support both chromogenic and fluorescent detection systems.
Our IHC Staining Capabilities
We offer a full suite of IHC staining services, including:
Single-marker IHC staining
Multiplex IHC (dual or triple stains)
Chromogenic detection (DAB or AP)
Antigen retrieval (heat or enzymatic)
Frozen and FFPE tissue compatibility
Custom primary antibody optimization
Slide scanning and digital image delivery
Our team uses automated staining platforms to ensure consistency, high throughput, and reproducibility. Each run includes proper controls, and we can accommodate user-supplied antibodies or recommend validated clones.
Our Optimized IHC Workflow
iHisto’s IHC staining services are supported by:
Leica BOND RX – Automated, high-throughput platforms
Leica CV5030 – Automated glass coverslipper for consistent, high-quality slide finishing
Antibody optimization – Titration and retrieval buffer testing
Validated controls – Positive and negative controls included for each batch
Digital slide scanning – High-resolution output for review, annotation, or AI analysis
We support both single-plex and multiplex chromogenic or immunofluorescent staining formats.
Step-by-Step IHC Staining Process
Antigen Retrieval – Heat- or enzyme-induced retrieval is performed to expose epitopes.
Blocking – Reduces non-specific binding of antibodies and endogenous enzyme activity.
Primary Antibody Incubation – Tissue is incubated with a validated primary antibody specific to the target protein.
Secondary Detection – HRP- or AP-linked secondary antibodies bind the primary antibody.
Chromogenic Reaction – Substrates like DAB or AP are applied to visualize the antigen-antibody complex.
Counterstaining and Mounting – Hematoxylin is added for nuclear contrast; slides are then dehydrated and coverslipped.
Applications of IHC Staining
IHC is essential in translational research and clinical development for spatially mapping protein expression.
Common use cases include:
Oncology – Tumor subtype characterization, proliferation markers (e.g., Ki-67), immune markers (CD3, CD8, PD-L1)
Neuroscience – Glial, neuronal, and synaptic markers (e.g., GFAP, NeuN)
Toxicology – Tissue-specific damage and biomarker response
Inflammation – Cytokines, macrophages, lymphocytes
Biomarker validation – For preclinical therapeutic studies
Whether you're validating an antibody or profiling tumor response, IHC staining provides reliable, localized expression data.
Why Choose iHisto for IHC Services?
Fast turnaround — most IHC projects are completed within 5–7 business days.
Flexible service options — from embedding to full staining and imaging.
High reproducibility — automated systems minimize variation.
Experienced team — extensive background in histopathology and IHC development.
Digital pathology support — integrate IHC slides with whole-slide scanning and cloud access.
We offer flexible IHC services for discovery and biomarker development programs — all with the speed and consistency iHisto is known for.
Supported Sample Types and Species
We accept:
Fresh tissues in fixative (e.g., formalin)
FFPE blocks or unstained slides
Frozen samples: OCT-embedded blocks or frozen slides
You may submit your own antibodies or request assistance in sourcing validated antibodies for your target markers. We will work with you to ensure dilution, retrieval, and controls are optimized.
How to Get Started
Ready to submit your samples? Fill out our online quote request form or contact our team for guidance on antibody selection and staining protocols. We're here to support your research goals from sample prep to slide analysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the turnaround time for IHC staining?
A: Most IHC staining projects are completed in 5–10 business days, depending on sample volume and antibody availability.
Q: Can I provide my own primary antibodies?
A: Yes. We accept user-supplied antibodies. Please include datasheets or dilution guidelines when submitting.
Q: Do you support multiplex IHC?
A: Yes, we offer dual or triple IHC staining with optimized protocols and clear signal separation.
Q: What tissue types are compatible?
A: We work with both FFPE and frozen tissues from mouse, rat, and other species.