Nonspecific (Background) Staining (Immunoreactivity)

Nonspecific staining may mimic specific staining (immunoreactivity). The use of proper controls including absorption of the antibody with the antigen, other antibodies, and dilution procedures can aid in differentiating nonspecific from specific staining.

Patterns of Nonspecific/Background Staining

• In Tissue - Diffuse, focal
• Within cell
• Diffuse
• Focal
• Granular
• Membrane
• Vacuolar
• Nuclear

Single apparent immunoreactive but nonspecific cell.

Nonspecific liver staining showing brown (DAB) hepatocytes but unstained leukemia cells in sinusoids.

Four patterns of focal and diffuse nonspecific staining in adrenal, mammary gland and liver.

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