GLP-compliant histology studies

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) & Multiplex IF Services

Boster Bio delivers publication-ready immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplex immunofluorescence (IF) services for biomarker validation, translational research, and preclinical studies. We help you choose between single-marker IHC and multi-marker multiplex IF based on marker complexity, tissue, spatial biology needs, and timelines.

With 3,000+ validated antibodies, automated Leica Bond workflows, and advanced multiplex platforms including Akoya spatial biology systems, we provide reproducible staining, high-resolution imaging, and analysis-ready data to move from pilot studies to decisions faster.

  1. 3,000+ validated antibodies to reduce screening risk
  2. IHC for single-marker tissue biomarker analysis
  3. Multiplex IF for multi-marker spatial biology
  4. Akoya platforms for up to 60-plex biomarker analysis
  5. Automated Leica Bond RX workflows for reproducible staining
  6. HALO image analysis plus optional pathologist review
  7. GLP-compliant studies for preclinical and IND-enabling programs
  8. Predictable turnaround for discovery and translational research

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Or fill this IHC/IF service request template and send it to services@bosterbio.com

Choosing Between Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Multiplex Immunofluorescence

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

  • Ideal for single biomarker detection
  • Robust chromogenic staining compatible with brightfield pathology workflows
  • Cost-effective for large sample cohorts
  • Well suited for biomarker validation and regulatory studies
  • Standard method used in many IND-enabling programs

Use IHC when a small number of biomarkers must be validated with highly reproducible staining.

Multiplex Immunofluorescence

  • Detect multiple biomarkers on a single tissue section
  • Analyze spatial relationships between cell populations
  • Ideal for tumor microenvironment and immune profiling
  • Preserve limited tissue samples by analyzing multiple markers simultaneously
  • Supports high-plex spatial biology studies

Use multiplex IF when spatial biology or multi-marker analysis is required.

Full-Service IHC and Multiplex IF Capabilities

Our tissue staining services combine immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplex immunofluorescence workflows to deliver reproducible biomarker data without requiring teams to build internal assay infrastructure.

Core Tissue Staining Capabilities:

All staining workflows follow standardized control and validation logic designed to minimize variability across tissues, antibodies, and staining runs.

  • Access to 3,000+ validated antibodies optimized for IHC and IF
  • Single-plex IHC and multiplex immunofluorescence staining panels
  • Automated Leica Bond RX staining workflows for reproducible results
  • Multiplex IF imaging using Akoya spatial biology platforms
  • Up to 60-plex spatial biomarker analysis depending on marker availability
  • HALO software-based image quantification and spatial analysis
  • Custom protocol development for FFPE and frozen tissues
  • GLP-compliant workflows with regulatory documentation when required

Common Study Types We Support:

We most commonly support immunohistochemical studies where internal teams are constrained by time, tissue availability, or multiplex complexity.

  • Biomarker validation and translational tissue studies
  • Neuroinflammation and CNS marker profiling
  • Oncology and tumor microenvironment characterization
  • Infectious disease and immune response mapping
  • IND-enabling preclinical programs and tox studies
  • GLP-compliant studies requiring full documentation, QA sign-off, and regulatory-ready data packages
  • High-plex tissue profiling using tissue microarrays
  • Custom molecular pathology, histopathology services, and IHC pathology studies aligned with gene expression analysis, including MMR-proficient and MMR-deficient tumor cohorts
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Boster Bio Redefines Global IHC with World-Class, Cost-Effective Antibody Solutions

Researchers choose Boster when timelines are tight, samples are limited, or internal optimization bandwidth is constrained:

"The rat brains were beautifully sectioned."

"Boster Bio performed a very thorough IHC validation. Ken was professional and accommodating throughout the project. We will come back to do some more work with them."

"Provided superior quality IHC images."

"Their service is fast and the cost is reasonable."

Multiplex Immunofluorescence Service

Multiplex immunofluorescence enables researchers to visualize multiple biomarkers within the same tissue section while preserving spatial context between cell populations. This approach is increasingly used for tumor microenvironment studies, immune profiling, and spatial biomarker discovery where traditional single-marker IHC cannot capture complex cellular interactions.

  • Multi-marker fluorescence staining on a single tissue section
  • Akoya spatial biology systems supporting up to 60-plex analysis
  • TSA-based multiplex staining up to 5-plex per slide on Leica Bond RX
  • Sequential staining and image overlay methods extending panels to ~10 markers
  • Optional custom consultation for higher plex strategies using quenching/stripping workflows
  • FFPE and frozen tissue compatibility
  • HALO spatial analysis for quantitative biomarker profiling

Platform Capabilities

  • Up to 5-plex: Leica Bond RX TSA
  • Up to ~10-plex: Sequential staining
  • Up to 60-plex: Akoya spatial biology
  • HALO quantitative spatial analysis
  • FFPE and frozen tissue compatible

Selecting an IHC or Multiplex IF Service Provider

When selecting an IHC or multiplex immunofluorescence service provider, key considerations include antibody validation depth, staining reproducibility, multiplex capability, and imaging analysis reliability. Our workflows are designed to control the variables that most commonly cause IHC and multiplex IF projects to fail internally: antibody specificity, retrieval conditions, and inconsistent tissue processing.

Proven Expertise

Trusted by 1,000+ labs since 1993, our immunohistochemistry services support academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies across 20+ tissue types. Supporting both exploratory biomarker work and preclinical development programs, our experience spans early discovery through translational studies requiring robust control tissues and reproducible staining performance.

Antibody Advantage

Because we manufacture antibodies, we can often reduce the iteration cycles required compared to CROs that rely entirely on external sourcing. With 3,000+ pre-validated IHC antibodies, we streamline assay development and ensure specificity and sensitivity across single-plex and multiplex immunohistochemistry—even when working with limited or rare samples.

End-to-End Partnership

From study design and tissue collection through staining, imaging, and automated image analysis, we provide scientist-to-scientist support and seamless onboarding to keep your IHC pathology project on time and publication-ready.

When Teams Typically Outsource Tissue Staining Studies

  • When multiplex IHC panels exceed internal optimization capability
  • When multiplex IF panel design exceeds internal optimization capability
  • When spatial biomarker relationships must be analyzed within the same tissue section
  • When sample quantity is limited and repeat attempts are risky
  • When timelines are tied to grants, publications, or regulatory milestones
  • When background, species cross-reactivity, or MMR-proficient tissue complexity requires specialized troubleshooting
  • When histopathology services and certified pathologist interpretation are needed alongside staining

When Boster IHC Testing Is Typically Used

  • Biomarker validation for drug development programs
  • Translational tissue studies bridging preclinical to clinical work
  • IND-enabling preclinical programs requiring regulatory-aligned documentation
  • GLP-compliant studies for IND, NDA, or BLA regulatory submissions
  • High-plex tissue profiling where manual optimization would take months
  • Immunohistochemical studies requiring consistent staining across large tissue cohorts

GLP-Compliant IHC Studies

Boster Bio offers GLP-compliant immunohistochemistry studies for sponsors requiring regulatory-grade documentation, quality assurance oversight, and full data traceability in support of preclinical submissions. Our GLP capability covers the complete IHC workflow—from tissue receipt and processing through staining, imaging, and final report delivery—conducted under written study plans and SOPs aligned with 21 CFR Part 58.

Regulatory Documentation

Every GLP study is executed under a written study plan with full raw data traceability, signed deviation reports, and a QA-reviewed final report. Documentation packages are structured to meet FDA and OECD GLP guideline expectations for IND-enabling and toxicology programs.

QA Oversight & SOPs

A dedicated Quality Assurance unit inspects critical study phases and audits final reports. All IHC staining, tissue processing, and imaging procedures are governed by approved SOPs, ensuring consistent, reproducible, and auditable results across every GLP run.

Full GLP Workflow Coverage

GLP-compliant services cover tissue receipt and chain-of-custody tracking, FFPE and frozen tissue processing, automated Leica Bond staining, whole-slide imaging, pathologist review, and data archiving—providing a single, accountable partner for your preclinical histopathology needs.

When to Choose Our GLP IHC Service

GLP compliance is required when IHC data will be included in regulatory submissions to the FDA, EMA, or other health authorities as part of a nonclinical safety or toxicology package. Common scenarios include:

  • IND-enabling toxicology or safety pharmacology studies requiring histopathology endpoints
  • NDA or BLA submission support where tissue biomarker data must be GLP-compliant
  • Repeat-dose toxicity studies where immunohistochemical analysis is a primary endpoint
  • Regulatory programs requiring OECD GLP or 21 CFR Part 58-aligned documentation
  • Programs transitioning from non-GLP discovery IHC to formal regulatory-grade studies
Discuss a GLP Study

GLP Study Checklist

  • Written study plan with sponsor approval
  • Chain-of-custody sample tracking
  • Validated SOPs for all critical steps
  • QA inspection of critical phases
  • Raw data archiving and retention
  • QA-audited final study report
  • Deviation and amendment documentation
  • Pathologist sign-off on histopathology findings

Problems We Helped Solve

Some case studies. If you have a particular problem or concern, we are happy to provide a free consultation for Preclinlical IHC study design.

Study Context: Mouse brain FFPE | GFAP + Iba1 | Automated IHC | Quantification required

The Problem: A neuroscience research group required reproducible IHC staining of GFAP and Iba1 on mouse brain paraffin sections, with plans to scale from a small pilot to a larger cohort. Quantitative analysis using standardized control tissues was also required.

Our Approach: We applied our Leica Bond automated staining platform using validated protocols for these markers, and provided optional digital image analysis for quantification.

Outcome: The pilot study was completed with high consistency, enabling the client to move confidently into a larger cohort while maintaining data reproducibility.

Study Context: Mouse brain coronal sections | Human IgG tracking | Peroxidase labeling | Regional quantification

The Problem: A postdoc from Stanford University needed to visualize human IgG distribution in mouse brain tissue following intracerebroventricular injection. Coronal sectioning, regional tissue targeting, and signal quantification were required.

Our Approach: We performed precise coronal brain sectioning and optimized peroxidase-labeled anti-human IgG staining, with quantification options for signal intensity across sections.

Outcome: We prepared high-quality paraffin-embedded tissue, optimized peroxidase-labeled staining, and generated quantitative data compatible with complementary platforms such as Flow Cytometry.

Study Context: Human tissue | 3 fixatives (NBF, ethanol, proprietary) | Multiple timepoints | Morphology + DNA integrity

The Problem: A global lab group testing a new formalin-free fixative wanted to compare tissue quality and IHC performance vs. standard 10% NBF and 70% ethanol across multiple timepoints.

Our Approach: We processed matched human tissues with three fixatives, performed IHC staining, and documented staining quality, cell morphology, and DNA integrity results at various fixation durations.

Outcome: The client used the findings to support a white paper and validate their product for broader diagnostic applications, citing our standardized tissue processing and unbiased results.

Study Context: 5xFAD mouse model | 4-marker multiplex (GFAP, Iba1, Amyloid-beta, Tau) | Frozen tissue | Bundled with ELISA

The Problem: A PhD researcher from UT Southwestern studying Alzheimer's in a 5xFAD mouse model needed multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) for several brain markers (GFAP, Iba1, Amyloid-beta, Tau) and simultaneous ELISA data for cytokines and amyloid isoforms.

Our Approach: We used our in-house validated antibodies and multiplex staining protocols on frozen tissues, paired with cytokine/amyloid ELISA using our bundled service.

Outcome: The client saved time and cost through bundled services, avoided delays in antibody validation, and received complete, publication-ready datasets.

Study Context: Rare tumor type | Limited irreplaceable samples | Tissue microarray validation | Risk-minimized handling

The Problem: A translational research group at the University of Minnesota was working with extremely limited samples from a rare tumor type. Internal staining attempts had failed, and any further mistakes would mean losing irreplaceable material.

Our Approach: We applied careful handling protocols, used validated reagents, and ran optimization passes on parallel tissue to protect the primary sample including optional tissue microarrays for method verification. Our experience with rare sample types helped reduce the risk of data loss.

Outcome: High-quality, interpretable staining results were delivered without sample loss—enabling the team to move forward with their publication and grant submission.

Study Context: Limited imaging access | No confocal microscope | Publication-quality requirements | Whole slide scanning

The Problem: A PI from University of California, Riverside lacked access to modern imaging systems—no confocal microscope and outdated brightfield optics—making it impossible to publish high-resolution IHC data.

Our Approach: We performed high-resolution whole slide fluorescence scanning using our Leica system with 40X and multi-focus imaging options, generating publication-ready digital slides with crisp signal capture.

Outcome: The PI received high-quality images that met journal standards, allowing the team to finalize figures and complete their manuscript without buying new equipment.

Study Context: Tumor microenvironment | 10-marker multiplex IHC | Signal separation optimization | Cancer immunology

The Problem: A cancer immunology lab needed a 10-marker IHC panel to profile the tumor microenvironment. They had experience with 3-plex, but higher multiplexing was beyond their capabilities.

Our Approach: We developed a custom 10-plex multiplex IHC protocol using our in-house validated antibodies and optimized signal separation workflows, cutting down development time by weeks.

Outcome: The lab received fully stained, multiplexed slides and analysis-ready data within their timeline—saving months of trial-and-error optimization and ensuring reliable signal detection.

Study Context: 2-week deadline | Grant application supporting data | Validated antibodies | Leica Bond automation

The Problem: A PI from UCSF had two weeks to gather supporting IHC data for a time-sensitive grant application. Their students were overwhelmed, and no one had time to troubleshoot protocols from scratch.

Our Approach: We quickly reviewed the study design, procured validated antibodies, and used our Leica Bond automation to deliver high-quality staining on a tight timeline.

Outcome: The client met their grant deadline with solid, interpretable images—without pulling students

immunohistochemistry service WORKFLOW

  • Step 1: Sample Tissue Preparation

    We process FFPE tissue, frozen tissue (OCT), and formalin-fixed cell pellets, and paraffin-embedded tissue as part of our histology IHC and immunohistochemistry services. You can supply your own or use our in-house tissue arrays from human, mouse, and rat samples.

  • Step 2: Antibody Optimization

    We optimize antibodies for IHC by determining the best dilution and antigen retrieval method. This ensures high specificity and sensitivity, even for new targets or multiplex IHC panels.

  • Step 3: IHC Staining

    All staining is performed on our automated Leica Bond system to ensure reproducibility and scale. Manual IHC is available on request. Optional controls help validate results with confidence.

  • Step 4: Slide Scanning & Analysis

    Our advanced imaging setups are equipped for multiplex immunofluorescence imaging, providing high-resolution data output. We offer whole slide scanning with 40X resolution, optional multi-focus layers and multiplex immunofluorescence analysis. Quantitative image analysis and clinical pathologist review are available to support your IHC study goals. Learn how IHC data is analyzed and when pathologist review is recommended.

  • Step 5: Multiplex IHC & Extended Services

    Our IHC multiplex staining/multiplex immunofluorescence staining let you analyze multiple biomarkers on a single slide. We also offer antibody sourcing, rare sample procurement, and support for regulatory IHC submissions.

Additional Details

  • Standard plans are 3 or 5 concentration titrations. If the antibody clone is completely new, we recommend 5 concentration titrations. However, if you roughly know the dilution to start with from another assay, such as western blot, 3 concentration titrations should be enough.
  • To request a quote, please let us know which samples you would like to validate the antibody on. Common samples are available at the lab. If you need uncommon wild type or pathological samples that are not available in our lab, there could be extra cost for acquiring them.
  • Various IHC assays using antibodies raised in species other than mouse and rabbit, such as goat and rat, have also been developed on both automated and manual staining platforms.
  • For all IHC studies, optional negative controls, such as isotype or no antibody controls, may be included
  • If you have any questions, please feel free to contact support@bosterbio.com to discuss your project.

Take your immunohistochemistry to the next level with our multiplex IHC service and multiplexing capabilities! Our innovative multiplex IHC solutions empower you to efficiently analyze multiple protein targets in a single experiment, saving time and resources while maximizing data output.

FAQs

Q1. how much does immunohistochemistry cost?

The cost varies based on sample quantity, antibody requirements, and customization needs. Please contact services@bosterbio.com for us to learn more about your project goals, which will help us determine the price and turnaround time.

Q2. What information do I need to provide to you to start the inquiry?

Please tell us:
  • How many samples would you like to process?
  • Have you identified the samples you wish to use for the study? If so, what are they?
  • Will you provide the samples to us or would you like us to procure them?
  • Have you identified the reagents to use for the study? If so, what are the targets and catalog numbers?

Q3. Do you provide the services for IF/ICC? What are the costs?

Yes, we do provide IF/ICC services. Please submit an inquiry.

Q4. Is it possible to set up a meeting to discuss my project?

Absolutely! We would be happy to set up a meeting to find out how our services can support your project. Please submit an inquiry to get started.

Q5. Do you serve customers outside of the United States?

If you can take care of sending your samples into the US, we would be happy to serve you.

Q6. Can you perform GLP-compliant IHC studies for regulatory submissions?

Yes. Boster Bio offers GLP-compliant IHC services for sponsors requiring regulatory-grade documentation aligned with 21 CFR Part 58 and OECD GLP guidelines. This includes written study plans, QA-inspected critical phases, validated SOPs, raw data archiving, and QA-audited final reports. GLP studies are appropriate when IHC data will be included in IND, NDA, or BLA submissions. Please contact services@bosterbio.com to discuss your specific regulatory program and documentation requirements.

Q7. What is the difference between your standard IHC service and a GLP study?

Our standard IHC service provides high-quality, publication-ready staining data with fast turnaround—ideal for discovery, translational research, and IND-enabling pilot work. A GLP study adds a formal regulatory framework: written study plan, QA unit oversight, phase inspections, deviation and amendment documentation, chain-of-custody sample tracking, and a QA-signed final report. GLP compliance is required when the data must be submitted to a regulatory agency as part of a nonclinical safety or toxicology package. We can help you determine which level of compliance your program requires.