Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Staining Instrument Replacement

Waikato DHB Histology Laboratory have a requirement to replace two aging Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Analysers. The DHB histology department processes approximately 26,000 immunohistochemistry tests per annum.

IHC staining is carried out at Waikato DHB using specialised staining automation and provides an advantage over manual staining in terms of efficiency, standardisation of retrieval and stain quality for a large number of specific antigens, Waikato DHB panel is currently over 120 different antibodies. IHC is performed routinely on some tissue types or is requested by pathologists following primary H&E staining to make or confirm a diagnosis, grade disease, assist with prognosis or inform the clinician on drug susceptibility. We currently stain an average of 100 slides per day using 3 Leica Bond instruments.

IHC usage has increased over the past 5 years by over 50% and continues to increase. This in part is down to an increase in complexity of cases but also because more antibodies have become available to assist with diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease.
As new antibodies are developed to improve the information that can be provided so too has the technology to stain IHC, with new technology having a faster TAT, increased capacity and cleaner more efficient staining.

We are looking for instruments that will bring our IHC department right to the front of technology to optimise staining, TAT and minimise waste.
All submissions should include warranty and post warranty servicing. We will also consider consumables to be included where appropriate although would prefer generic consumables where possible.