Impact of adding an IgG4 conjugate to routine direct immunofluorescence testing for subepithelial and intraepithelial autoimmune blistering disorders.

Background: Certain autoimmune bullous dermatoses are mediated by autoantibodies of the IgG4 subclass. We determined the diagnostic impact of adding IgG4 to our conventional direct immunofluorescence (DIF) panel.

Methods: For all cases submitted to our referral laboratory for DIF over 1 month (n = 630), we performed IgG4 testing and collected consecutive biopsy specimens showing definite or indeterminate linear or cell-surface deposition of IgG, IgG4, and/or C3.

Radio-Frequency Identification Specimen Tracking to Improve Quality in Anatomic Pathology.

Context.—: Preanalytic errors, including specimen labeling errors and specimen loss, occur frequently during specimen collection, transit, and accessioning. Radio-frequency identification tags can decrease specimen identification and tracking errors through continuous and automated tracking of specimens.