General FAQ's
Below please find a selection of frequently asked questions (FAQs):
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Q: Do Dako antibodies cross-react with other species?
A: Click this link Interspecies Cross-Reactivity for more details.
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Q: Can Dako Visualization Systems be used on animal tissue?
A: For animal research studies, we recommend using Dako ARK™ (Animal Research Kit). This kit can be used on any species of tissue with mouse monoclonal antibodies. For rat tissue, we have the Universal LSAB™2 Kit/HRP, Rabbit/Mouse (Code K0609). This kit can be used with rabbit or mouse primary antibodies, and the biotinylated link antibody shows no cross-reaction with rat tissue. We also suggest the EnVision™+/HRP, Rabbit polymer (Code K4002 or K4003) combined with Liquid DAB+ (CodeK3468) or AEC+ Substrate-Chromogen, Ready-to-Use (Code K3469). This polymer detection can be used with rabbit primary antibodies and does not have any significant cross-reactivity against mouse or rat.
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Q: Can Reagent Partnership Division make a special production for a discontinued product (large volumes)?
A: Yes, in some cases, Dako Reagent Partnership Division will be able to supply bulk quantities of discontinued products. Please contact ReagentPartnershipsSupport@dako.com for more information.
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Q: Do we know the specific site of amino acids where our antibodies bind to?
A: For some monoclonal antibodies the amino acids of the antigen used for immunization are specified in the package insert, but for many the specific sequence is not known.
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Q: How are Dako antibodies purified?
A: Immunoglobulin Fractions. Most Dako polyclonal antibodies are offered in the form of immunoglobulin fractions. The immunoglobulin fraction is prepared by salting out and ion exchanging chromatography. The elimination of bulk proteins gives a stable product with reduced background in gel precipitation techniques and minimal non-specific reactions in other applications.
Affinity-Isolated Antibodies. Dako polyclonal affinity-isolated antibodies are prepared by immunoaffinity chromatography using antigens coupled to a solid matrix. The elution and adsorption techniques used guarantee antibodies of high affinity.
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Q: Do you have pictures of certain stainings using Dako antibodies?
A: See our online
Gallery of Stains or FLEX Ready-to-Use Atlas of Stains, 3rd Edition. Please contact your local Dako representative if you prefer a printed copy -
Q: Where can I find an MSDS for my Dako product?
A: Currently, a non-hazard classification statement is available online. For hazardous products, contact your local Dako representative for MSDS.
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Q: Where can I find the protein concentration of my Dako antibody?
A: The protein concentration is stated on the vial label. The protein concentration from lot to lot may vary without influencing the optimal dilution. The titer of each individual lot is compared and adjusted to a reference lot to ensure a consistent, immunohistochemical staining performance from lot to lot. For RTU antibodies, we do not provide the protein concentration. The antibody is already optimally diluted, and the corresponding negative control has been calibrated to match the primary antibody concentration.
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Q: Where can I find a package insert/specification sheet?
A: All products have a package insert available for download on each specific product description sites. For an example see the link Sample Package Insert. -
Q: Are purity specifications available on your products?
A: Package inserts are available for all products for download and are supplied with the product.
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Q: I need to detect X antigen in Y tissue – What can Dako offer, and how do I search for it?
A: You can find all Dako’s antibodies using the search engine in the top right corner of all pages. The package insert for a Dako antibody contains a performance characteristics section specifying reactivity in normal and abnormal tissues.
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Q: Can a Dako antibody be used in another technique (Western Blotting, ELISA, gel immunoprecipitation)?
A: The package insert for a Dako antibody specifies the intended use/technique for a Dako antibody. Any procedure or technique not specified in the package insert must be validated by the user.
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Q: How do I establish the current regulatory status of a product?
A: The package insert states the regulatory status of a product. The information can also be found on our Web site and in the Dako Product Catalog.
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Q: What changes have you made to your analyte-specific reagent or ASR products as a result of the FDA guidelines regarding ASRs?
A: Dako is committed to providing high-quality products manufactured and distributed in full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Dako has evaluated its ASRs and has taken necessary action to be in compliance with FDA’s ASR guidelines.
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Q: The product label says “Keep cool, 2-8 °C, do not freeze”, but it was at room temperature when it arrived, is it OK?
A: The stability of our products is not affected by normal shipping temperatures. It is important to store products appropriately as indicated on the label or package insert. In a few isolated instances, specific cautions during shipping have to be taken, and this will be specified in the package insert.
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Q: How should I store the reagents?
A: For details on storage of the reagents, please refer to the storage section of the Product Package Insert.
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Q: Are purity specifications available on your products?
A: Our package inserts provide purity data for the products. Certificate of Analysis forms can usually be provided. Please contact your local Dako office.