Free QIHC Exam Prep
ASCP Qualification in Immunohistochemistry
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Exam logistics, detection systems, and blockingYou are here
Learn the 50-item, 90-minute QIHC format and study immunofluorescence, HRP/AP enzymes, DAB/AEC/Fast Red chromogens, endogenous-enzyme and biotin blocks, and polymer detection.
Specimen handling and epitope enhancement
Master 10% NBF fixation windows, processing, microtomy, cytology and frozen IHC caveats, then HIER buffer pH (citrate vs EDTA/Tris) versus enzymatic retrieval.
Staining methods, patterns, and screening
Study antibody structure, ABC versus polymer methods, ISH (FISH/CISH/SISH), CK7/CK20 and lineage panels, infectious IHC, and how to screen expected staining patterns including predictive-marker slides.
QC, CAP validation, safety, and regulations
Review CAP 2024 analytic validation (10/10 nonpredictive, 20/20 predictive), on-slide controls, OSHA formaldehyde limits, lab math, automated stainers, CLIA, and CAP.
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What You'll Study
13 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Introduction and Exam Overview
2 sections
Detection Systems: Immunofluorescence, Enzymes, and Chromogens
4 sections
Detection Systems: Blocking, Polymer, and Amplification
4 sections
Specimen Handling: Fixation, Processing, and Microtomy
3 sections
Specimen Handling: Cytology, Immunofluorescence, and Frozen Sections
3 sections
Epitope Enhancement and Antigen Retrieval
4 sections
Staining Principles and General Immunology
4 sections
Polymer Methods, In Situ Hybridization, and Staining Reagents
4 sections
Tissues: Morphology, Cytokeratins, Organ Markers, and Microorganisms
4 sections
Lineage Markers and Preliminary Screening
3 sections
Staining Troubleshooting and Mounting
2 sections
Quality Control, Controls, and Analytic Validation
4 sections
Safety, Laboratory Mathematics, Equipment, and Regulations
4 sections
QIHC Exam Details
ASCP Qualification in Immunohistochemistry
Administered by ASCP BOC
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official ASCP BOC content outline
Immunofluorescence and IHC/ISH detection: enzymes, substrates, chromogens, blocking, polymer/multimer systems, and amplification
Fixation, processing, microtomy and slide preparation, cytology specimens, immunofluorescence specimens, and frozen sections
Heat-induced epitope retrieval, enzyme-induced epitope retrieval, and combined heat-and-enzyme methods
General immunology, staining methods, tissue morphology and staining patterns, antibody formats and titration, troubleshooting, mounting, and preliminary screening
QC/QA, control tissues, validation, safety, laboratory mathematics, ancillary equipment, and U.S. federal and accrediting-agency regulations
What's Included
13 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
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What's Next After the QIHC?
After passing the QIHC, you can pursue these career paths
ASCP HTL
HTL(ASCP) is the histotechnology scientist certification covering tissue processing, microtomy, special stains, and lab operations beyond the IHC-focused QIHC qualification.
ASCP MB
MB(ASCP) covers clinical molecular methods, including hybridization assays that overlap with FISH/CISH work often performed alongside IHC.
ASCP DLM
DLM(ASCP) is the diplomate credential for laboratory directors who already run IHC operations and want formal management assessment.
QIHC Exam FAQ
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