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Preanalytical considerations are important, and careful consideration of the way in which specimens are obtained and reach the laboratory is necessary. Sample receipt and handling follow standard operating procedures, but some alterations may be necessary if molecular testing is to be performed, for instance to control tissue fixation. DNA and RNA extraction can be standardised and should be checked for quality and quantity of output on a regular basis. The choice of analytical method(s) depends on clinical requirements, desired turnaround time, and expertise available. Internal quality control, regular internal audit of the whole testing process, laboratory accreditation, and continual participation in external quality assessment schemes are prerequisites for delivery of a reliable service. A molecular pathology report should accurately convey the information the clinician needs to treat the patient with sufficient information to allow for correct interpretation of the result. Molecular pathology is developing rapidly, and further detailed evidence-based recommendations are required for many of the topics covered here.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1136\/jclinpath-2014-202404","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2014,7,11]],"date-time":"2014-07-11T01:39:10Z","timestamp":1405042750000},"page":"923-931","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/crossmarkpolicy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":175,"title":["Guidance for laboratories performing molecular pathology for cancer patients"],"prefix":"10.1136","volume":"67","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5007-9456","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Ian A","family":"Cree","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Warwick Medical School, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK"},{"name":"Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK"}]},{"given":"Zandra","family":"Deans","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"UK NEQAS for 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