Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry
Examination 2022
Paper 1
Short-answer questions
120 minutes
1. Attempt 6 out of 9 questions – choose 2 from each section
2. Each question is worth 20 marks
3. You must transfer your answers directly into the answer booklet
The question paper is not to be removed from the examination room
Page | 1
DEP in Immunocytochemistry 2022 Papers 1 and 2 (Merged) FINAL EXAM PAPER
, Pre-Analysis
1. Discuss procedures for achieving ideal optimal fixation of tissue for
immunocytochemistry investigations.
2. Compare and contrast the effects of tissue decalcification solutions used on bone
marrow trephine biopsies on subsequent immunocytochemistry investigations.
3. Discuss and explain the appropriate choices of control material for a full repertoire of
immunocytochemical antibody tests.
Analytical
4. Define what is meant by the term “antigen retrieval”. Discuss the requirement for
antigen retrieval and provide an overview of the techniques which can be used to
retrieve tissue antigens.
5. Discuss the various types of automated immunohistochemistry platforms, and what
things would you take into consideration when introducing a new
immunohistochemistry autostainer to your laboratory.
6. Discuss automated versus ‘off-board’ antigen retrieval methods. Provide examples and
discussion on the various types.
Post- Analytical
7. Discuss the role of external quality assurance schemes within immunohistochemistry.
8. Discuss the health and safety risks associated with the performance of
immunocytochemistry protocols.
9. Discuss and debate the importance of information from run logs when performing audits
on automated immunocytochemistry equipment.
Page | 2
DEP in Immunocytochemistry 2022 Papers 1 and 2 (Merged) FINAL EXAM PAPER
Examination 2022
Paper 1
Short-answer questions
120 minutes
1. Attempt 6 out of 9 questions – choose 2 from each section
2. Each question is worth 20 marks
3. You must transfer your answers directly into the answer booklet
The question paper is not to be removed from the examination room
Page | 1
DEP in Immunocytochemistry 2022 Papers 1 and 2 (Merged) FINAL EXAM PAPER
, Pre-Analysis
1. Discuss procedures for achieving ideal optimal fixation of tissue for
immunocytochemistry investigations.
2. Compare and contrast the effects of tissue decalcification solutions used on bone
marrow trephine biopsies on subsequent immunocytochemistry investigations.
3. Discuss and explain the appropriate choices of control material for a full repertoire of
immunocytochemical antibody tests.
Analytical
4. Define what is meant by the term “antigen retrieval”. Discuss the requirement for
antigen retrieval and provide an overview of the techniques which can be used to
retrieve tissue antigens.
5. Discuss the various types of automated immunohistochemistry platforms, and what
things would you take into consideration when introducing a new
immunohistochemistry autostainer to your laboratory.
6. Discuss automated versus ‘off-board’ antigen retrieval methods. Provide examples and
discussion on the various types.
Post- Analytical
7. Discuss the role of external quality assurance schemes within immunohistochemistry.
8. Discuss the health and safety risks associated with the performance of
immunocytochemistry protocols.
9. Discuss and debate the importance of information from run logs when performing audits
on automated immunocytochemistry equipment.
Page | 2
DEP in Immunocytochemistry 2022 Papers 1 and 2 (Merged) FINAL EXAM PAPER
