This document gives recommendations for the handling, storage, processing and documentation of frozen tissue specimens intended for DNAexamination during the pre-examination phase before a molecular examination is performed.

This document is applicable to molecular in vitro diagnostic examination including laboratory developed tests performed by medical laboratories and molecular pathology laboratories that evaluate DNA isolated from frozen tissue. It is also intended to be used by laboratory customers, in vitro diagnostics developers and manufacturers, biobanks, institutions and commercial organizations performing biomedical research, and regulatory authorities.

Tissues that have undergone chemical stabilization pre-treatment before freezing are not covered in this document.