Spotting signs of disease often starts with noticing small changes—like how cells or tissues look under a microscope, or shifts in biomolecule levels within a sample. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a key method scientists use to highlight those changes. By applying targeted antibodies that bind to specific proteins, IHC allows researchers to visualize cellular features linked to disease, treatment response, or overall health.
Because IHC relies on a series of carefully timed and controlled steps, consistency is essential. That’s why many labs turn to IHC autostainers—automated instruments that handle the staining process with speed and precision. These systems help improve reproducibility, reduce manual effort, and support more confident interpretation of results.
In this guide, we’ll break down how IHC autostainers work, what to consider when choosing one, and how different features can support your research or diagnostic goals.
Immunohistochemistry, or IHC, is a method used to detect specific biomolecules in cells and tissues using antibodies. These antibodies bind to their targets with high specificity, allowing scientists to visualize the presence, location, and abundance of key proteins under a microscope.
The technique combines the precision of immunology with the spatial detail of histology—offering a powerful way to study disease markers, cell signaling, and treatment effects at the tissue level.
IHC relies on the unique structure of antibodies:
dOnce bound, the antibody is detected through either a color-producing chemical reaction or a fluorescent signal—depending on the staining method used. We'll explore those next.
There are two main methods for visualizing antibody binding in IHC: chromogenic immunohistochemistry (CIH) and immunofluorescence (IF). Both approaches produce a detectable signal under a microscope, but they differ in how that signal is generated and interpreted.
CIH uses enzymes attached to the antibody to produce a visible color change when exposed to a chemical substrate.
This method is widely used in clinical diagnostics due to its simplicity and compatibility with archived samples. It produces durable, easy-to-interpret stains that can be reviewed over time.
In IF, antibodies are tagged with fluorescent dyes rather than enzymes. When excited by a light source, these dyes emit light at specific wavelengths, creating a fluorescent signal.
IF is commonly used in research settings, especially when detailed spatial or quantitative information is needed.
IHC plays a central role in both diagnostics and research. Its ability to reveal molecular features within intact tissue makes it an essential tool for identifying disease, characterizing cell populations, and studying treatment responses.
IHC has been used in clinical diagnostics for nearly a century, particularly in oncology and infectious disease pathology. It helps clinicians detect and classify diseases based on molecular markers present in tissue samples.
Examples include:
In research labs, IHC is used to study disease mechanisms, identify potential biomarkers, and evaluate experimental therapies. Its ability to preserve tissue structure while highlighting molecular details makes it ideal for exploratory and translational studies.
Producing high-quality, reproducible IHC results depends on following a consistent and well-optimized workflow. While details may vary by protocol or sample type, most IHC assays follow the same four core steps:
Fixation preserves the structure of cells and tissues, preventing degradation and maintaining antigen integrity.
This step is usually needed for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. Cross-linked proteins may block antibody binding, so heating the tissue (often in a buffer solution) helps “unmask” the antigens and improve staining.
To reduce background signal, a blocking step prevents antibodies from sticking to non-target components.
After preparation, tissue sections are ready for staining:
Whether or not to use a secondary antibody depends on your experimental needs:
If you’re interested in learning more about different detection and signal-amplification methods—such as polymer-based systems or biotin‑streptavidin techniques—check out this detailed guide from Abcam on detection and amplification systems in IHC.
When choosing between strategies, ask yourself:
Running an IHC assay manually requires careful timing, consistent technique, and attention to every detail—from fixation to antibody incubation. Even small variations can impact staining quality and reproducibility.
However, a 2021 study found that automating the IHC workflow significantly improved staining uniformity and consistency compared to manual methods, especially in large or complex tissue sections.
Autostainers take the guesswork out of this process by automating each step in the IHC workflow. With the right system in place, labs can:
For clinical labs, this means more reliable diagnostic results. For research teams, it means stronger, more reproducible data. Whether you're staining 10 slides or 100, automation helps ensure your IHC workflow runs smoothly and predictably.
A number of commercial autostainers are available, each with different capacities, features, and workflow integrations. One important consideration is reagent efficiency—how much staining solution the system uses and whether it minimizes waste.
According to a study, enclosed staining chambers with controlled reagent flow significantly reduce both the volume of reagents needed and background staining levels compared to open-slide systems.
Here’s a side-by-side look at some widely used systems:
Each system balances speed, flexibility, and automation differently. Some prioritize throughput, while others emphasize staining precision, reagent efficiency, or software integration.
Finding the right IHC autostainer isn’t just about features—it’s about how weAccording to a study, enclosed staining chambers with controlled reagent flow significantly reduce both the volume of reagents needed and background staining levels compared to open-slide systemsll the system fits your specific needs. Here are a few important questions to ask as you evaluate your options:
Taking time to think through these questions will help ensure you choose a system that supports your scientific goals, budget, and workflow—now and as your lab evolves.
Reproducibility is essential in IHC work. Automating your staining protocol with an autostainer can help you generate consistent, high-quality results—making it easier to detect disease markers, track progression, and evaluate treatment effects with confidence.
Whether you’re processing a few slides or hundreds each day, choosing the right autostainer can make a meaningful difference in your workflow. We work with a wide range of brands and models, so you can find the system that best fits your lab’s goals—without being locked into a specific inventory.
Use this guide as a starting point, and when you’re ready, get in touch. We’re here to help you explore your options, answer questions, and figure out whether leasing an IHC autostainer is the right move for your lab.