The Immunohistochemistry service is a specialist laboratory service within Cellular Pathology that uses antigen-antibody reactions to detect specific proteins within tissue sections.
The technique aids diagnosis, classification, prognostic assessment, and treatment selection for a wide range of diseases, particularly cancer. Certain tissues and tumour types may automatically trigger immunohistochemistry testing. However, pathologists also request immunohistochemistry tests where necessary.
The Department regularly reviews testing to reflect clinical service needs and advances in technology. Consequently, some testing and equipment has not yet been assessed by UKAS. Therefore, some tests are not ISO 15189 accredited.
A list of non-accredited tests can be obtained from the department on request.
Opening times
09:00 - 17:00, Monday - Friday
Contact us
Pathologists are available for Clinical advice
Gavin Rock, Immunohistochemistry lead
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Cellular Pathology laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). The laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the ISO 15189:2022 standard.
Accreditation information is available under Cellular Pathology (UKAS Reference 10141).
Tests that do not appear on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation are not UKAS accredited. These tests are validated in line with laboratory procedures and are carried out by trained and competent staff.
For a list of accredited tests and further information, visit the UKAS website:
For further information about quality assurance and accreditation please contact our Quality Manager.
- Louise Fallon, Quality Manager
- louise.fallon@uhb.nhs.uk
Data protection
Cellular Pathology services comply with the Trust's Data Protection Policy. Procedures are in place to ensure the service and its staff meet data protection requirements and follow recognised best practice.
Announcement: Training and Development
For information on careers, training and education in Pathology, please see our Training and Development webpage.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026