Who are we?
We are a group of like-minded scientists working in immunocytochemistry laboratories from across Scotland. Most of us are registered Biomedical Scientists working in diagnostic hospital laboratories, but we welcome members representing research and veterinary labs too.
Current office holders are:
- Chair: Jane Macmillan
- Secretary: George Carmichael
- Treasurer: Yvonne Bissett
- Webmaster: Richard Matthews
What are our aims?
Our primary aim is to promote and enhance communication among immunocytochemistry service providers in Scotland. By getting to know one another and sharing our knowledge and experiences, our goal is to improve the output of our laboratories, thus providing the best possible service to pathologists, clinicians and ultimately, patients.
We are primarily interested in:
- Staining quality
- EQA performance
- Batch to batch consistency
- Cost effectiveness
- Health and safety
- Staff training and development
- New technologies and automation
- Anything else to do with immunocytochemistry!
Why does this matter?
Immunocytochemistry, properly optimised, is a sensitive and specific tool for the demonstration of innumerous structures within cells and tissues. Over the decades, the dependence on immunocytochemistry in diagnostic cellular pathology has grown and grown. Accurate diagnosis, and consequently correct treatment and positive outcomes for patients, therefore, depends on high quality, reproducible immunocytochemical staining.
How do we do this?
We use our mailing list to discuss current issues and share tips for best practice. We usually meet once or twice a year. We distribute a newsletter to members, usually a month or so after each meeting, and maintain this website as a permanent repository for our activities.
We operate two closed inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) schemes for our members:
- Skin immunofluorescence
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in-situ hybridisation
The group is closely affiliated with The Scottish Pathology Network (SPAN) and liaises on immunocytochemistry issues as required.
When does this happen?
Online discussions take place any time. In-person meetings take place once or twice a year. You can find out about upcoming meetings on our events page.
Where do we meet?
Communications are mostly online, but we meet once or twice a year at a suitably central Scottish location. You can find out about upcoming meetings on our events page.