Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) is a form of preservation and preparation for biopsy specimens to help in diagnostic examination, experimental research, and diagnostic/drug development. A tissue sample is first preserved by fixing it in formaldehyde, which preserves the proteins and vital structures within the tissue. The tissue is then embedded in paraffin wax to support the tissue structure and enable very thin sections to be cut and mounted onto microscope slides for analysis.
FFPE DNA is DNA isolated from FFPE tissue blocks. FFPE DNA samples are often available in only very small amounts and can be degraded depending on the age and handling of the source material.
An FFPE block is a 'block' of human tissue which is removed when a patient has a biopsy or surgeries and preserved by FFPE method. The block of tissue is then sliced into thin layers and examined under a microscope.
FFPE tissue has been preserved by FFPE method and archived as speciments. FFPE tumour samples are commonly used for histopathological diagnosis of diseases. FFPE tissues remain the predominant source of biological research materials as it excellent for preserving the tissue structures. However, the preservation process and oxidation during storage can also damage the nucleic acids present in the tissue.