Test ID: IH Melan-A
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Melan-A
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Immunohistochemistry Stain
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Useful For
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Identification of melanomas, and, if melanoma is ruled out, for adrenocortical carcinomas. The antibody is also applicable as a useful marker for angiomyolipomas and sex cord stromal tumors.
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Method name and description
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- Monoclonal Mouse Anti-Human Melan-A, Clone A103
- Immunoperoxidase stain on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue section
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Clinical information
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Melan-A, isolated as a melanoma-specific antigen, is a transmembrane protein composed of 118 amino acids with uncertain function. The Melan-A gene was cloned from a human melanoma cell line, and its expression on melanomas is recognized by autologous cytotoxic T cells. Melan-A is expressed in skin, retina and many cultured melanocytes and melanomas, whereas a vast variety of other tissues and cancers tested do not express Melan-A. However, Melan-A is expressed in angiomyolipomas. Along with Melan-A, seven other melanoma antigens have been identified: MAGE-1, MAGE-3, tyrosinase, gp100, gp75, BAGE-1 and GAGE-1, which are all recognized by autologous cytotoxic T cells.
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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- Specimen type: Well-fixed tissue in 10% neutral buffered formalin.
- Submit 2 unstained (3-4 µm thick) paraffin embedded tissue section mounted on a clean positively charged glass slide (sections to be cut within 6 weeks.) or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block.
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Storage and transport instructions
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- Slides or blocks are stored in cork box at room temperature away from sun light and any source of heat.
- Follow your local regulation shipping guidelines.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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- Broken slides
- Unlabeled slides with patient/case identification
- Contaminated slides
- Slides/paraffin blocks mismatch
- Uncharged slides
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Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
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- Fixation time (FT)
- Fixative Type
- Storage time in paraffin
- Storage temperature
- Age of the cut sections
- Section thickness
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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- Turnaround time for the test in platform: 3-4 hours
- Days and times test performed: Twice daily (Sunday to Wednesday)
- First batch: 0600H-1400H
- Second batch; 1230H - overnight
- Thursday (one batch only): 0600H-1400H
- Note: Request received after 1230H will be stained the following working day.
- Shelf-life of the paraffin section slides: ≤6 weeks
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