Testing Times for Immunohistochemistry

Why IHC throughput and workflow have become pathology’s most urgent operational imperative

Category	Detail
Condition	IHC laboratory workflow capacity and operational bottlenecks
Key Mechanisms	The article identifies order intake, instrument loading, and unloading as workflow failure points. Paper- or batch-based intake, batching, inconsistent instrument interaction, and limited operating windows can delay starts and create instrument idle time; repeat stains re-enter constrained queues.
Target Population	Pathology laboratories performing IHC, including laboratories facing rising volumes, greater testing complexity, or staffing constraints.
Care Setting	Anatomic pathology and histology laboratory operations supporting IHC testing.

The article identifies order intake, instrument loading, and unloading as IHC workflow failure points, according to workflow consultant David Newell.
The article describes how delayed or batch-triggered intake and repeat stains can contribute to idle time and constrained queues.
A reported example increased daily staining capacity from 120 to 180 slides by extending staining-area coverage from 8 to 9.5 hours and changing workflow, without adding equipment.
The article describes end-to-end workflow review as a starting point for identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
The article states that a quality management system needs active monitoring and discussion, and that standardization can reduce variability and support more predictable outcomes.

The article describes end-to-end workflow review as a starting point for identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

Review order intake, instrument loading and unloading, batching practices, and operating windows, which the article identifies as workflow constraints.
The article reports that workflow changes and longer staining-area coverage increased capacity in one example without new equipment.

The article states that a robust quality management system needs to be actively monitored and discussed.

The article describes IHC rework involving re-embedding or recutting, repeat staining, and pathologist re-review as extending turnaround times.
The article identifies staffing constraints, fragmented ordering systems, batching, and limited operating windows as factors that constrain workflow.
The article describes delays as creating pressure on downstream steps and laboratory teams.

Not specified; the article addresses laboratory operations rather than patient-level treatment.

No prescribing or treatment recommendations are provided. The article discusses IHC workflow and the timeliness of diagnostic reporting.

Review the end-to-end IHC workflow to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
Examine order intake, instrument use, batching, and operating windows, which the article identifies as workflow factors affecting throughput.
Actively monitor and discuss the quality management system, as stated in the article.
The article describes standardization as reducing variability and supporting more predictable outcomes.