This document gives guidelines on the handling@ documentation@ storage and processing of frozen tissue specimens intended for the examination of isolated proteins during the pre-examination phase before a molecular assay is performed. This document is applicable to any molecular in vitro diagnostic examination performed by medical laboratories and molecular pathology laboratories that evaluate proteins isolated from frozen tissue. It is also intended to be used by laboratory customers@ in vitro diagnostics developers and manufacturers@ biobanks@ institutions and commercial organisations performing biomedical research@ and regulatory authorities. NOTE International@ national or regional regulations or requirements can also apply to specific topics covered in this document