Antibody Validation Image Transparency: FAQ

In May 2026, members of the scientific research community raised questions regarding certain Western blot images included in antibody testing data within Thermo Fisher's antibody catalog. Following this feedback, Thermo Fisher initiated a review of Western blot images displayed on its website.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, scientific integrity is a core value. We take antibody validation, specificity and accurate product documentation seriously and are committed to the transparent and ethical generation, analysis and presentation of scientific data.

We are reviewing Western blot images (including those provided by third-parties) on our website to ensure that any Western blot images are clearly identified as either “raw-unedited” or as an image that “may have been edited, optimized or otherwise adjusted.” In addition, where available, raw-unedited images are provided to website users and customers upon request.

No. The Company fully stands by the data and underlying science.  We are confident in the quality of the products within our antibody catalog and our performance guarantee is valid for products purchased directly from Thermo Fisher Scientific or any of our authorized distributors. For further information, please refer to the Invitrogen™ antibody performance guarantee.

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 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

We are confident in the quality of the products within our antibody catalog and our performance guarantee is valid for such products purchased directly from Thermo Fisher Scientific or any of our authorized distributors. For further information, please refer to the Invitrogen™ antibody performance guarantee.

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