Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue
We’re redefining what researchers can expect from FFPE tissue blocks. Every specimen in our inventory undergoes rigorous internal pathologist review and DNA extraction quality checks to ensure integrity and downstream performance.
The result? Oncology biospecimens you can rely on — in less time, for less money.
Quality-controlled
All tissues undergo a full review by our in-house pathology team and a nucleic acid extraction QC, ensuring that only well-preserved samples make it to your lab bench.
Fast delivery
By maintaining all inventory onsite in our lab, we offer rapid processing and next-day shipping on most orders, supporting your research without unnecessary delays.
Affordable
With pricing that’s often 50–75% lower than traditional suppliers, you never have to choose between quality and affordability. With us, you get both.
Large selection
Our comprehensive inventory spans tumor and normal tissue blocks from all major organs and cancer types, giving you broad access to the specimens you need.
Your delight is always guaranteed!
We stand by our products and time-tested techniques 100%. If there are any issues with your order, we will make it right - replace it, refund it, whatever it takes to ensure you're positively delighted each time you receive a shipment from Reference Medicine.
Our oncology FFPE tissue blocks, at a glance
We offer a variety of tissue-based products, including:
- Tumor tissue blocks from the majority of common cancer indications, including Bladder - Brain - Breast - Cervix - Colorectal - Esophageal - Head & neck - Kidney - Lymphoma - Liver - Lung - Ovarian - Prostate - Skin - Stomach - Uterine
- Preferred normal tissue blocks — including adrenal gland, skin, and other control tissues widely used in oncology development
To be included in our inventory, each block must meet strict quality thresholds:
- ≥ 5mm² tumor area
- ≥ 20% tumor content within the designated tumor area
- ≤ 50% necrosis within the designated tumor area
- ≥1mm block thickness
- Large inventory: Our large inventory spans dozens of oncology indications, including breast, lung, ovary, colorectal, head & neck, and melanoma.
- Matched sets: The majority of our FFPE tissue blocks have matched specimens, like matched normal adjacent tissue, matched metastatic sites, matched frozen tissue or additional sister tumor blocks for those iterative experiments that require large volumes of one case. Looking for matching plasma, buffy coat, whole-blood or serum, we have that too.
- Rich data: Each FFPE block (and every specimen!) includes clinical history, patient demographics, full pathology diagnosis, staging/demographics metadata, and pathology reports can be provided upon request.
- H&E slides: Looking for specific pathological features you want to preview for yourself? We offer digital scans of all H&E slides so that you can ensure the perfect, microscopic-fit, for your project.
- NGS tissue: If you’re looking for highly characterized, NGS-screened tissue, we have that for you too.
- Quick turn-around times: We always have ready-to-ship, fit-for-purpose FFPE blocks for rapid turnaround – less waiting, more science
- Determined to help source exactly what you need: We also offer prospective collections for rare or specific disease states, sample types, or formats not in the existing inventory – just reach out!
- Tissue in the format that you need: No in-house histotech services? No problem! We can get you FFPE samples in the format you need, providing tissue curls, unstained tissue slides, special stains, and custom tissue microarrays (TMAs).
When you source FFPE tissue from Reference Medicine, you get more than a block — you get verified quality, transparent data, and unmatched turnaround time.
Hassle-free and simplified tissue procurement from start to finish
We know that your time is precious, and we also know that your experiment can not be on hold for week or months (or dare we say it, ‘years!’) for specimens. That is why we do all the prep work for you, so we always have ready-to-ship, fit-for-purpose FFPE blocks ready to ship to your lab within days – less waiting, more science.
Not ready to onboard a new vendor? Let us prove to you that it’ll be worth it.
We know vendor onboarding can feel like a full-time job — and if you’ve worked with other specimen providers, you may be feeling some procurement burnout.
That’s exactly why we created our Try a Block program. Before you commit to anything, we’ll send you a complimentary FFPE block so you can evaluate our quality firsthand. Put us to the test. Review the H&E, run your assays, stress the sample however you need to.
We’re confident you’ll see the difference: rigorously QCed tissue, transparent data, fast turnaround, and a team that treats your research like its own.
Your time is valuable. We’ll prove we’re worth it.
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“If you have ANY way of getting matched tumor tissue with plasma I would be in your debt for a long time. I might even make my kids work for you. And their kids.”
“I regret not thinking of contacting you first. I would much rather send the business your way considering how good you've always been to work with.”
“The lab team was thrilled with the clarity and organization of the materials sent.”
“We received the slides and are pleased to report that the stains we ran performed exceptionally well from a technical standpoint. Additionally, the sample sizes provided are quite generous.”
"Reference Medicine’s customer service and responsiveness exceeded our expectations. We needed specimens on short notice, and the RM team delivered promptly. We value them as a partner."
“Among samples from different companies, your samples are among those with the highest quality!”
TRUSTED BY LEADING RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
Precision FFPE processing leads to the best results. We know.
We are more than just a specimen provider, we are your partner who works side-by-side with you to share knowledge so we can all do better science. From microtomy tips and validation cohort advice, to best practices for tissue grossing and preservation, we are here to support you every step of the way.
