Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › IHC
Tissue loss during IHC (sections wash off)
What it looks like
Sections are missing or appear as bare areas on the slide. This results in a loss of staining in specific regions.
Where it usually appears: Typically seen during the washing steps of the IHC protocol, especially after antigen retrieval or during incubation.
Likely causes
- Inadequate adherence of tissue sections to the slide
- Improper drying of slides before staining
- Use of excessive wash buffer volume
- Incorrect wash buffer composition
- Overly aggressive washing technique
Immediate checks
- Check if the slides were properly dried before use
- Inspect the wash buffer for proper formulation
- Evaluate washing technique for excessive force
Corrective action
- Reapply tissue sections if possible
- Adjust washing technique to be gentler
- Use an adhesive slide if tissue loss is frequent
Preventive action
- Ensure slides are adequately dried before use
- Use appropriate adhesive slides or coatings
- Optimize wash buffer volume and composition
- Train personnel on gentle washing techniques
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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