What do I need to consider if providing samples/tissue as FFPE blocks or slides?

• Old tissue is often poorer quality than newer tissue. We recommend re-embedding in fresh wax prior to use.
• Tissue is better preserved in the block than on the slide, for example, historically cut slides often give poorer staining. We recommend sectioning close to the staining date.
• Optimal formalin fixation results in better IHC or multiplex staining.
• There should only be one tissue section per slide.
• Place tissue as centrally as possible on the slide.
• If intending to overlay images for analysis, tissue placement and orientation must be as similar as possible across each slide.
• Thick tissue sections give poorer quality staining. 5-micron sections are recommended.

Please see the FAQ ‘What factors affect the quality and consistency of multiplexed images?’ for further multiplex related considerations.