Immunohistochemistry

Term: ImmunohistochemistryDefinition: A laboratory technique used to identify specific antigens in cells of a tissue section by exploiting the principle of antibodies binding specifically to antigens in biological tissues.Phonetic Pronunciation: (im-yuh-noh-his-toh-KEM-ih-stree)Origin: The term 'immunohistochemistry' is derived from 'immuno-', relating to immunity, 'histo-', from the Greek 'histos' meaning tissue, and '-chemistry', from the Greek 'khemeia' meaning alchemy or chemistry. It reflects the technique's use of immune system components to study tissue chemistry.Significance in Asbestos Context: Immunohistochemistry is crucial in the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, by identifying specific markers that differentiate these conditions from other similar diseases. This technique aids in confirming the presence of asbestos-related pathology, which is essential for legal claims and medical treatment plans.Example Sentence: Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma in a patient with a history of asbestos exposure.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Biomarker, Antigen, Pathology, DiagnosisNotes: - Immunohistochemistry is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods to increase accuracy. - It is not a standalone diagnostic tool but part of a broader diagnostic approach. - The results of immunohistochemistry can be critical in legal cases involving asbestos exposure.