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Immunohistochemistry is used to characterize various surface and intracellular proteins from cells of all tissues. Individual markers and more often panels of various marker proteins can be used to distinguish carcinoma from sarcoma or lymphoma, mesothelioma or melanoma, characterize various tumor subtypes, confirm tissue of origin, help distinguish metastatic from primary tumor and provide additional information about tumors, which may be important for staging, prognosis, predicting response to therapy or evaluating for residual tumor post treatment.

Common colon and rectal cancer prognostic and therapeutic markers used include:

• EGFR (pharmDX®)
• Thymidylate Synthase (TS)
• p53
• p27
• hMLH-1
• hMSH-2
• hMSH-6
• PMS-2

These markers may be ordered individually or in various combinations at the physician’s request. For additional antibodies, refer to our Antibody Library.

CPT Codes:

88342 or 88360 (Units and CPT codes vary depending on the antibodies tested.)

1. Fixed Paraffin Block with Corresponding H&E:
   • Tissue should be well-fixed in formalin. Please Note: Prefer™ fixative is not suitable for EGFR testing. If alternative fixative is used, it should be noted on the requisition.
   • 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm tissue.
   • Store specimen at room temperature (20-23.5° C).
   • Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
2. Unstained Slides:
   • Please Note: Prefer fixative is not suitable for EGFR testing.
   • Minimum of 2 slides within 6 weeks of cutting.
   • Pre-cut 5 micron sections from paraffin blocks.
   • Mount on Poly-L-Lysine-coated or plus (+) slides. Preferred fixative.
   • Air dry. Do not oven dry.
   • Store specimens at room temperature (20-23.5° C).
3. Fresh Tissue Biopsy:
   • Two (2) pieces 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm x 0.2 cm (8-10 pieces preferred) in transport media. Please Note: Prefer fixative is not suitable for EGFR testing. Do not use transport media if it turns cloudy, yellow or is beyond the expiration date. Use only pink/orange color media.
   • Refrigerate specimen. Use cold pack for transport. Be sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen during transport.
   • All specimens should be shipped to Genzyme on the day of excision. Delay in shipping may compromise cell viability and results.

Turnaround Time:

2-3 days

Client Services: Oncology/Pathology   800-447-5816

Specimen Services/Pickup:  877-246-1226