# Before a biopsy, ask about the tissue Some future tests depend on how the sample is handled. Have this conversation before the procedure. ![Article illustration](https://kevinwimer.com/media/a8462f24-ce8a-4f09-82f3-861085d73b95) Author: Kevin Wimer Canonical URL: https://kevinwimer.com/resources/preserve-tissue/ Stable ID: af18cbc9-1c7f-4799-a763-3f53ba52b1fd Revision: bf829e9a-2ae0-4d8e-9d43-8959772471c3 Published: 2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z Updated: 2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z Reviewed: 2026-10-22 ## Who this is for For patients and caregivers preparing questions with their cancer care team. I learned about preservation after my biopsies. By then, some tests I wanted no longer had the sample they needed. The useful lesson is to plan early, not to tell everyone to freeze everything. ## 1. Tell the team what you may need Ask the surgeon or proceduralist, pathology team and receiving lab to coordinate. Start with: > After the tissue needed for diagnosis and planned care is secured, is there enough to preserve for the additional testing we are considering? What format does that lab require? The answer may be no. A small biopsy has a limited amount of material, and safe diagnosis comes first. ## 2. Match the format to the test | Format | What to understand | | --- | --- | | Fixed tissue, often called FFPE | Commonly used for pathology and many molecular tests. It is still valuable. | | Fresh or cryopreserved live cells | Some drug-response tests and research workflows need viable cells. | | Flash-frozen tissue | Some molecular analyses use frozen material; it is not the same as keeping cells alive. | Different labs have different requirements. Do not improvise the container, temperature or shipping process yourself. ## 3. Get the logistics settled 1. Which lab receives the sample, and who orders the work? 2. Who supplies the kit and written handling instructions? 3. Who owns each handoff, including shipping and arrival confirmation? 4. How much tissue will each test consume, and what remains afterward? 5. What are the collection, storage, testing and release fees? Kernis coordinates preservation. [Travera](/companies/travera/) tests live cells. [Valius](/companies/valius-sciences/) and [Inocras](/companies/inocras/) describe testing that can use fixed samples. Their requirements are not interchangeable. ## Already had the biopsy? Ask pathology what blocks, slides, fluids or frozen material still exist and which outside labs can use them. Get the specimen identifier and release process. “Not frozen” does not mean “useless.” ## Limits and context Preservation details come from the linked providers and must be agreed with the treating team and receiving lab. Tissue access, release and ownership rules vary; there is no universal right to every specimen. ## Relationships and disclosures No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory. ## Sources - [Tissue formats and coordination](https://kernis.health/patient-journey.html) — Kernis Health; official; checked 2026-10-22 - [Fixed-tissue profiling requirements](https://www.valiussciences.com/) — Valius Sciences; official; checked 2026-10-22 - [CancerVision sample requirements](https://inocras.com/cancer-provider/) — Inocras; official; checked 2026-10-22 - [Live-cell testing overview](https://www.travera.com/) — Travera; official; checked 2026-10-22 - [What I learned after my biopsies](https://x.com/kevinace/status/2111208969243119904) — Kevin Wimer on X; experience; checked 2026-10-22; Personal experience, read in Kevin’s supplied X export. Not independent clinical evidence. Topics: samples Capabilities: Related record IDs: 22346548-bf33-4671-a2b8-3657c9915b3b, a0923b3c-1e05-42f4-8f96-60cfcc13f5bf, f2e7ed16-4c04-42d2-b7ba-4d28d08e2b53, 3340ac28-f483-4a86-bcaf-d2034338f17b Related X discussion: https://x.com/kevinace/status/2111208969243119904 Follow Kevin on X: https://x.com/kevinace Educational information, not an individualized treatment recommendation.