Antibody Validation Image Transparency: FAQ

In May 2026, independent researchers raised concerns about certain Western blot images used in Thermo Fisher antibody validation documentation. The specific concerns include the appearance of duplicated protein bands, reused gel images across products, and similar background patterns in images associated with p53 monoclonal antibodies. These observations were shared via scientific integrity forums and social media as well as industry blogs and publications. For details on Thermo Fisher’s standard Western blot application testing protocol, see the Western Blot Application Verification page.

At Thermo Fisher, as the world leader in serving science, scientific integrity is a core value. Thermo Fisher takes antibody validation, specificity and accurate product documentation seriously, and is committed to the transparent and ethical generation, analysis and presentation of scientific data. In the process of preparing antibody images for publication on its website, some images may have been adjusted to clarify for presentation purposes. To avoid any confusion by users of the website and to reinforce the Company’s approach to transparency, Thermo Fisher is assessing the images used in its antibody catalog and will take appropriate action where needed. Moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.

Yes. Thermo Fisher has initiated an internal review of the images in its antibody catalog. Moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.

These images are generated by both internal teams as well as third parties. Thermo Fisher has initiated an assessment and examining the provenance of the images will be a part of that process. 

To drive reagent quality, directly address antibody reproducibility and help provide customers with confidence in its antibodies, Thermo Fisher has adopted three concepts to help improve experimental reproducibility and reporting based on the recommendations of the International Working Group for Antibody Validation (IWGAV). Additional details can be found here: Antibody Verification | Thermo Fisher Scientific - US

No. The Company fully stands by the data and underlying science. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, as the world leader in serving science, scientific integrity is a core value. The Company takes antibody validation, specificity and accurate product documentation seriously, and is committed to the transparent and ethical generation, analysis and presentation of scientific data. In the process of preparing antibody images for publication on its website, some images may have been adjusted to clarify for presentation purposes – not to alter or misrepresent the underlying experimental results. Thermo Fisher recognizes, however, that image adjustments of any kind can raise questions about data integrity, which is why moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.

Thermo Fisher has initiated an internal review of the images in its antibody catalog. Moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.

 Thermo Fisher’s goal is to ensure customers always have accurate, useful and scientifically appropriate information to support their research. Thermo Fisher uses established scientific and quality review practices to support antibody validation and specificity. These may include, as appropriate for the product and application: review of source data, validation methods, controls, product documentation and performance information. The Company’s Invitrogen antibody portfolio is validated against published standards including the International Working Group for Antibody Validation (IWGAV) framework, which encompasses genetic strategies, orthogonal methods, and independent antibody approaches. For a full overview of verification methods — including Knockout/Knockdown, IP-MS, Peptide Array and SNAP-ChIP strategies — see the  Antibody Verification page.

In preparing images for online publication, some images may have been adjusted to improve clarity for presentation purposes. These adjustments should not alter the scientific meaning of the data, and the Company is taking steps to help customers distinguish original images from optimized website versions. 

In 2016, Thermo Fisher adopted three concepts based on the recommendations of the International Working Group for Antibody Validation (IWGAV) meant to drive reagent quality, directly address antibody reproducibility, and help provide customers with confidence in our antibodies. To learn more, please visit: Antibody Verification page

The presentation-related image adjustments described do not alter the underlying experimental data supporting its antibody performance claims. The antibodies themselves have been validated according to established scientific methods, and their specificity and sensitivity characteristics are not affected by how images were formatted for display on its website. Antibodies carrying an  Advanced Verification badge have undergone additional specificity testing — including genetic and orthogonal methods — that is independent of the image documentation practices under review. If you have specific questions about a product you have purchased, the Company’s Scientific Support team is available to provide additional information, including access to the original validation data.

Customers with questions about a specific antibody product, catalog number, or validation material may contact Thermo Fisher for support.

Thermo Fisher has initiated an internal review of the images in its antibody catalog. Moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.

Thermo Fisher has initiated an internal review of the images in its antibody catalog. Moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.

Thermo Fisher has initiated an internal review of the images in its antibody catalog. Moving forward, where an original image is not present or available, the Company will ensure that website users are informed that antibody images may have been optimized for presentation and clarity on the website.