Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens are mainly used by the medical community and researchers to preserve biopsy samples in formaldehyde and then embed them into paraffin wax blocks. This process preserves the proteins and structures of the tissue. After storing it into a block, thin slices of the FFPE block can be made and is then mounted on a microscope slide to enable examination.
FFPE is a great commodity to the research and medical field as it is an inexpensive and easy way to store and archive tissue specimens. It also maintains the integrity of the specimen for a long period of time and can therefore be used retrospectively in many studies, reducing the time required to track down specific tissues that fit the research criteria.