Human tissue specimens from surgical surplus and research biopsy procedures. Available in FFPE and fresh-frozen formats. IRB-specific consent required for all tissue types. AI-matched to your study's demographic and pathology criteria.
Research tissue specimens fall into two main categories: surgical surplus tissue (material remaining after a clinical procedure that exceeds diagnostic requirements) and research biopsy (tissue collected specifically for a research protocol with separate informed consent). Both types are governed by 45 CFR Part 46, the Common Rule, and any applicable state regulations covering human subjects research.
The preservation method determines downstream applications. FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) blocks or sections are the most common clinical archival format — they are stable at room temperature for decades but partially crosslink and fragment nucleic acids. FFPE tissue is suitable for immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), H&E morphology, and low-sensitivity DNA assays using FFPE-optimized extraction kits. Fresh-frozen tissue (snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen within minutes of collection) preserves RNA and protein integrity for RNAseq, proteomics, and enzyme activity assays — but requires uninterrupted cold chain from collection to your lab.
When you buy tissue specimens for research, lead time depends on tissue type availability and IRB consent framework alignment. Engage with us early in your study design so consent language can be aligned with your specific research use.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Available Tissue Types | Adipose, liver, skin, colon/rectum (surgical surplus); kidney, lymph node, tumor on protocol |
| Format | FFPE block, FFPE sections (5–10 µm), fresh-frozen OCT-embedded, snap-frozen in LN₂ |
| Source | Surgical surplus (post-diagnostic excess) or research biopsy (protocol-specific consent) |
| Processing | Pathologist review for surgical surplus; collection to freezing within 30 min for fresh-frozen |
| Storage | FFPE: room temperature; fresh-frozen: -80°C or LN₂ vapor phase |
| Turnaround | 1–3 weeks from IRB confirmation; donor-variable for prospective biopsy collections |
| Consent | IRB-specific consent required; broad consent (45 CFR 46.116(d)) accepted for de-identified surplus |
Provide tissue type, preservation format, quantity, donor criteria, pathology requirements, and your IRB protocol number and approval documentation for consent verification.
We review consent coverage and match to available surgical partners or prospective biopsy candidates. Our team coordinates directly with the collecting institution on IRB alignment.
FFPE tissue ships ambient with histology records. Fresh-frozen ships on dry ice with ischemic time documentation and full chain-of-custody records.
FFPE preserves morphology for IHC, ISH, and H&E histology, but formalin crosslinking partially degrades nucleic acids — FFPE-compatible extraction kits and modified protocols are required for DNA/RNA work. Fresh-frozen tissue preserves RNA and protein integrity for transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional assays, but requires continuous -80°C or LN₂ cold chain. Your application determines which format to request.
All tissue specimens require IRB-approved consent specifically covering your tissue type and research application. Residual surgical surplus tissue may qualify under broad consent or waiver of consent frameworks under 45 CFR 46.116(d) for de-identified specimens. We will work with your IRB coordinator to confirm consent coverage before procurement begins.
Yes, with protocol-specific constraints. Commonly available surgical surplus tissue includes adipose, colon, skin, and liver. Disease-state tissue (tumor margin pairs, inflamed bowel, fatty liver) requires additional consent layers and longer lead times. Contact us early in your study design — tissue sourcing timelines vary significantly by site and pathology criteria.
Have your IRB protocol ready. Submit requirements and we'll confirm availability within 48 hours.
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