Hepar1

Anti-Hepatocyte Specific Antigen recognises both benign and malignant liver derived tissues including such tumours as hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic adenoma. It recognises both normal adult and fetal liver tissue. The typical staining pattern is a granular cytoplasmic stain (1). Hepatocyte monoclonal antibody (Hep) alternatively called Hepar1 for Hep paraffin has been reported to stain normal hepatic tissue and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high specificity (1). However, not all hepatocellular carcinomas stain positive with Hepar1 (2). However normal hepatocytes should stain positive to prove the robustness of the method.

Recommended Controls

Criteria for acceptable staining is a cytoplasmic staining pattern. Positive controls to use include normal liver and known positive Hepar1 case of liver cancer. Not all hepatocellular carcinoma’s stain positive with Hepar1, however normal hepatocytes should demonstrate a granular cytoplasmic pattern to prove the robustness of the method. Tonsil can be used as a negative control, no staining should be seen.

Expected staining pattern

Normal hepatocytes in hepatocellular carcinoma

Tonsil

Disclaimer

These methods are intended as a guide only. Laboratories that wish to implement these methods should perform internal validation/verification prior to use. The RCPAQAP does not make any claim or warranty for the accuracy or performance of these methods.