The survey data presented in Immunohistochemistry Market Benchmarking Survey was originally collected in December 2002 as part of a wider study on
emerging life science technologies. It is now offered as a "stand alone" report because the continuing importance of immunohistochemistry (IHC)
to cutting-edge technologies such as tissue microarrays, functional genomics and pharmacogenomics presents immunochemical detection companies with new
market opportunities.
As a research and diagnostic tool, IHC is unequaled in providing fundamental insights into biological processes or disease
states. Recent advances in molecular biology and diagnostic biotechnology have propelled IHC to the forefront as an indispensable enabling technique.
In research, IHC is important in a number of different fields. For example, in drug discovery, IHC can be used to determine where a drug travels and
its impact on a target. Additionally, IHC-based techniques allow for the determination of cell lineage, cell cycle stage and cell activation, which
shed light on the nature of cellular maturation, tissue differentiation, tumor progression and metastasis. Clinically, IHC is applicable to a number
of different areas, including the development of diagnostic criteria, targeting particular tissue(s) for genetic analysis, trend analyses and patient
management. Based on a 26-question survey of over 160 life scientists, this report provides an overview of the most commonly used methods and products
for tissue/sample preparation and antigen detection to help suppliers understand researchers' experiences, preferences and expectations.
Suppliers that meet these researchers' requirements will likely help sustain progressive clinical diagnostics and exciting research
breakthroughs.
The major objectives of this report are as follows:
- Provide a " snapshot" of current IHC research objectives and applications
- Understand tissue/sample preparation and handling
- Determine antigen detection method(s) currently used
- Identify key suppliers currently serving the market
- Identify instrumentation and hardware requirements
- Determine, from the end-user' s perspective, assay compatibility requirements
- Determine end-user throughput and assay costs