GLOSTRUP, Denmark, Dec. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dako, an Agilent Technologies Company and worldwide provider of cancer diagnostics, today introduced the latest version of "The Educational Guidebook: IHC Staining Methods."

Since Dako released the guidebook's fifth edition in 2009, more than 20,000 copies have been published, plus an additional 3,000 online copies downloaded each year. This globally recognized book on IHC staining methods is used as a teaching and learning tool at institutions and pathology laboratories worldwide. It also serves as a reference tool for ensuring correct staining processes within the pathology lab.

The sixth edition was written by several noted pathology experts within the field of IHC and edited by internationally renowned pathologist Clive R. Taylor, M.D. "Most books on IHC contain very little information about how to correctly perform an IHC stain and how to be certain that the results are valid and reliable," said Dr. Taylor. "The new edition of 'The Educational Guidebook: IHC Staining Methods' helps ensure quality in a degree of detail unmatched by any other book."

Part I is devoted to the entire IHC staining process, including pre-analytical factors, antigen retrieval, selection of the primary antibody, staining protocol optimization, detection methods, and digital pathology.  

Part II examines the potentials and pitfalls within IHC, including optimization of reactions, automation, laboratory workflow, companion diagnostics, tissue microarray, CISH tests, controls, background and troubleshooting. All of the latest knowledge and innovations within IHC, including the recent Dynamic Gap technology on Dako Omnis, are presented within the book.

Dako has been introducing high-quality antibodies for nearly 50 years, and the company still continues to expand knowledge within the field.  Dako published the update to help drive further scientific advancement and increase standardization in the field of immunohistochemistry.

"Treatment decisions are heavily influenced by the IHC results, so standardization is a vitally important first step in supporting accurate diagnosis and better patient care," said Britt Meelby Jensen, Dako general manager and vice president. "We are proud that the guide is such a popular, widely used resource for lab managers, lab technicians and students around the world."

About Dako - An Agilent Technologies Company
Dako, based in Denmark, is a global leader in tissue-based cancer diagnostics. Hospital and research laboratories worldwide use Dako's reagents, instruments, software and expertise to make accurate diagnoses and determine the most effective treatment for cancer patients. Dako became part of Agilent Technologies in June 2012. Information about Dako is available at www.dako.com.

About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company's 20,600 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.8 billion in fiscal 2013. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

On Sept. 19, 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free spinoff of its electronic measurement company. The separation is expected to be completed in early November 2014.

Editorial Contacts

Dako Products:
Victoria Wadsworth-Hansen
Dako Denmark A/S
+45 29336980

Dako Corporate:
Maia Fredtoft Søchting
Dako Denmark A/S
+45 25461083

HUG#1749620