Muscle Specific Actin, technical only
Use
Muscle-specific actin (MSA) recognizes actin expressed in all cells with muscle differentiation, including cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle, as well as myoepithelial cells, myofibroblasts, pericytes, and myogenic tumors. This test includes only the technical component; a pathologist read is not included, making it suitable for clinical use where muscle-specific actin expression needs to be evaluated.
Special Instructions
Fresh Tissues: Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 24-72 hours by collection sites, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage. Samples must be tested within 3 months after placement in ethanol. Positively charged glass slides are required for unstained slides to prevent background staining and tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.
Limitations
This test does not include a pathologist interpretation, which could limit the clinical utility as a standalone diagnostic test. Proper fixation and handling of specimens are critical, as specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus, and failure to meet this requirement may lead to specimen rejection. Only muscle, myoepithelial, or myogenic differentiation can be assessed, and the test is not diagnostic for specific muscle tumors or conditions without additional pathological evaluation.
Methodology
Immunoassay (IHC)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (Fixed (Non-FFPE))
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for 6-72 hours (48-72 hours preferred).
Causes for Rejection
Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | ≤ 72 Hours |