Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español

immunohistochemistry

(IH-myoo-noh-HIS-toh-KEH-mih-stree)
A laboratory method that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens (markers) in a sample of tissue. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye. After the antibodies bind to the antigen in the tissue sample, the enzyme or dye is activated, and the antigen can then be seen under a microscope. Immunohistochemistry is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used to help tell the difference between different types of cancer.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms