Preparation and application of a device for immunohistochemistry reagent bottle placement

PENG Qi-yan; ZHANG Bei; LIU Yong-qiao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2025.02.025

Abstract：Objective To explore the manufacturing method and application effect of a storage device for immunohistochemical reagent bottles. Methods Cardboard boxes and rigid plastic boards with intact shapes were collected, and the storage device was made according to the method described in the text. The experimental group (Group A) used the self-made device, while the control group (Group B) used the manufacturer-provided strip-shaped reagent rack. Both devices were used on the Leica BOND-MAX automated immunohistochemical staining system for 50 experiments with 30 sections. The usage effects of both groups were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results The average time required to load reagents per experiment in Group A was 10.36 minutes, which was significantly less than that of Group B at 21.02 minutes (P < 0.05). The rate of missed reagent retrieval was 2% (1 time) in Group A, compared to 12% (6 times) in Group B. No spillage or leakage occurred in Group A, whereas there were 2 instances (2%) of reagent spillage in Group B. The self-made storage device effectively prevented reagent bottle tipping, antibody leakage, and contamination. It allows arranging reagent bottles in alphabetical order according to the antibody English names from A to Z, facilitating placement and retrieval, thus greatly improving the efficiency of immunohistochemical staining. The device is simple to make, low-cost, stackable in a 2-8°C refrigerator, saving space and making it easy to access. Conclusion The self-made immunohistochemical reagent bottle storage device has a simple structure, is convenient to operate, and can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of immunohistochemical staining, and is worth promoting in pathology departments.