Diluting a solution is pretty easy. Usually you are taking a stock solution and adding a buffer or other solution to it to get the required dilution. The math is rather simple here as well.

Where:

Initial concentration or molarity.

Initial volume.

Final concentration or molarity.

Final volume

If math isn’t your strong suit, you can always use an online calculator to find volume of solution you need for your dilution.

When doing anti-body dilutions for IHC tests, everything is measure in micro liters (μL) and a micro-pipette is used to dispense the required volumes. Some common mistakes can occur such as, leaving out the antibody and allowing it to reach room temperature or not stirring/mixing the antibody before doing the dilution. Sometimes the antibody can settle/precipitate, so mixing should also occur once diluted and before being placed on an instrument.