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Test Code TAUI TAU Immunostain, Technical Component Only

Reporting Name

TAU IHC, Tech Only

Useful For

Analysis of neurodegenerative disorders

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
IHTOI IHC Initial, Tech Only No No
IHTOA IHC Additional, Tech Only No No

Testing Algorithm

For the initial technical component only immunohistochemical (IHC) stain performed, the appropriate bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOI). For each additional technical component only IHC stain performed, an additional bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOA).

Method Name

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

TECHONLY


Ordering Guidance


This test includes only technical performance of the stain (no pathologist interpretation is performed). If diagnostic consultation by a pathologist is required order PATHC / Pathology Consultation.



Shipping Instructions


Attach the green "Attention Pathology" address label (T498) and the pink Immunostain Technical Only label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.



Specimen Required


Specimen Type: Tissue

Supplies: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope (T693)

Container/Tube: Immunostain Technical Only Envelope

Preferred:

-Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block

OR

-2 Unstained, positively charged glass slides (25- x 75- x 1-mm) per test ordered; sections 4-microns thick

Acceptable: None


Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
TECHONLY Ambient (preferred)
  Refrigerated 

Reject Due To

Wet/frozen tissue
Cytology smears
Nonformalin fixed tissue
Nonparaffin embedded tissue
Noncharged slides
ProbeOn slides
Snowcoat slides
Reject 

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

88342-TC, primary

88341-TC, if additional IHC

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
TAUI TAU IHC, Tech Only Order only;no result

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
70870 TAU IHC, Tech Only Bill only; no result

Secondary ID

70558

Clinical Information

Tau proteins are microtubule-associated proteins that regulate the dynamics of the microtubule network and are especially involved in the axonal transport and neuronal plasticity. Antibodies to Tau proteins stain the tangles of microtubules associated with Alzheimer cytoskeletal pathology, neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads, and neuritic ("senile") plaques. Tau has become important in the analysis of a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease, Pick disease, corticobasal degeneration, supranuclear palsy, multisystem atrophy, as well as a recently recognized category of disorders known as tauopathies.

Interpretation

This test does not include pathologist interpretation, only technical performance of the stain. If interpretation is required, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation for a full diagnostic evaluation or second opinion of the case.

 

The positive and negative controls are verified as showing appropriate immunoreactivity. If a control tissue is not included on the slide, a scanned image of the relevant quality control tissue is available upon request; call 855-516-8404.

 

Interpretation of this test should be performed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.

Cautions

Age of a cut paraffin section can affect immunoreactivity. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature and are antigen dependent. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut within 6 weeks.

 

The charge of glass slides can be affected by environmental factors and subsequently may alter slide staining. Sending unsuitable glass slides can result in inconsistent staining due to poor slide surface chemistry.

 

Best practices for storage of positively charged slides:

-Minimize time slides are stored after being unpackaged

-Limit exposure to high humidity and heat

-Minimize exposure to plastics

Clinical Reference

1. Bigio EH. Making the diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013;137(3):314-325

2. Smith C, Graham DI, Murray LS, Nicoll JA. Tau immunohistochemistry in acute brain injury. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. 2003;29(5):496-502

3. Tokuda T, Ikeda S, Yanagisawa N, Ihara Y, Glenner GG. Re-examination of ex-boxers' brains using immunohistochemistry with antibodies to amyloid beta-protein and tau protein. Acta Neuropathol. 1991;82(4):280-285

4. Magaki S, Hojat SA, Wei B, So A, Yong WH. An introduction to the performance of immunohistochemistry. Methods Mol Biol. 2019;1897:289-298. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-8935-5_25

Method Description

Immunohistochemistry on sections of paraffin-embedded tissue.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

Until staining is complete.

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Immunohistochemical (IHC)/In Situ Hybridization (ISH) Stains Request (T763) with the specimen.