With the advent of Mohs surgery in the dermatology clinics, making sure the margins are clear of any cancer is of the utmost importance to both patient and dermatopathologist. While the patient is still in the surgery suite, immunohistochemstry staining can be done in the laboratory microwave (Pelco microwave with water load cooler, wattage controller and temperature probe). The immunohistochemistry procedure takes only 25-30 minutes as compared to the more conventional methods that take 2 hours or more.

The microwave needs to be checked for hot spots using the Pelco #36140 microwave bulb array. Make sure the area in which you are going to put your slides has no hot spots, indicated by no illuminating bulbs. Using a Sigma Diagnostics #H6644 Humid Chamber, place a paper towel in the bottom of the chamber and fill with 1/4 inch of water. This is in addition to the water loads used to eliminate hot spots.