Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations - Specifications for pre-examination processes for Fine Needle Aspirates (FNAs) - Part 1: Isolated cellular RNA

This document gives guidelines on the handling, documentation, storage and processing of fine needle aspirates (FNAs) intended for RNA examination during the pre-examination phase before a molecular examination is performed.
This document is applicable to molecular in vitro diagnostic examination including laboratory developed tests performed by medical laboratories and molecular pathology laboratories that examine RNA isolated from FNAs. 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.
Different dedicated measures are taken for collecting, stabilizing, transporting and storing of core needle biopsies (FNA B) and are not covered in this document, but in ISO 20184-1, Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations – Specifications for pre-examination processes for frozen tissue – Part 1: Isolated RNA  and ISO 20166-1, Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations — Specifications for pre-examination processes for formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue — Part 1: Isolated RNA.
RNA in pathogens present in FNA is not covered by this document.
NOTE   International, national or regional regulations or requirements can also apply to specific topics covered in this document.

Molekularanalytische in‐vitro‐diagnostische Verfahren - Spezifikationen für präanalytische Prozesse für Feinnadelaspiration (FNA) - Teil 1: Isolierte zelluläre RNA

Dieses Dokument enthält Leitlinien zur Handhabung, Dokumentation, Lagerung und Verarbeitung von Feinnadelaspiraten (FNAs) zur RNA Untersuchung während der präanalytischen Phase vor Beginn der molekularen Analyse.
Dieses Dokument gilt für molekulare in vitro-diagnostische Untersuchungen, wozu auch laboreigene Prüfungen zählen, die von medizinischen Laboratorien und Laboratorien der molekularen Pathologie zur Untersuchung der aus FNAs isolierten RNA durchgeführt werden. Es soll auch von Laborkunden, Entwicklern und Herstellern von In vitro-Diagnostika, Biobanken, Einrichtungen und kommerziellen Organisationen, die in der biomedizinischen Forschung tätig sind, sowie Aufsichtsbehörden eingesetzt werden.
Für die Entnahme, die Stabilisierung, den Transport und die Lagerung von Stanzbiopsien (FNA Biopsie oder FNA B) werden verschiedene spezielle Maßnahmen ergriffen, die nicht in diesem Dokument, sondern in EN ISO 20184 1, Molekularanalytische in vitro-diagnostische Verfahren — Spezifikationen für präanalytische Prozesse für gefrorene Gewebeproben — Teil 1: Isolierte RNA und EN ISO 20166 1, Molekularanalytische in vitro-diagnostische Verfahren — Spezifikationen für präanalytische Prozesse für formalinfixierte und paraffineingebettete (FFPE)-Gewebeproben — Teil 1: Isolierte RNA behandelt werden.
Dieses Dokument findet keine Anwendung auf RNA Untersuchungen durch In situ-Detektion.
ANMERKUNG   Zu bestimmten Bereichen, die in diesem Dokument behandelt werden, können auch internationale, nationale oder regionale Bestimmungen oder Anforderungen gelten.

Analyses moléculaires de diagnostic in vitro - Spécifications pour les processus préanalytiques pour les ponctions à l’aiguille fine - Partie 1 : ARN cellulaire extrait

Molekularne diagnostične preiskave in vitro - Specifikacije za predpreiskovalne procese pri aspiraciji s tanko iglo (FNA) - 1. del: Izolirana celična RNK

Ta dokument podaja smernice za obravnavo, dokumentiranje, shranjevanje in obdelavo aspiratov, pridobljenih z aspiracijsko biopsijo s tanko iglo (FNA), namenjenih za pregled RNK med predpreiskovalno fazo, preden se izvede molekularna preiskava.
Ta dokument se uporablja za molekularne diagnostične preiskave in vitro, vključno z laboratorijsko razvitimi preskusi, ki jih izvajajo v medicinskih laboratorijih in laboratorijih za molekularno patologijo, kjer preiskujejo RNK, izolirano iz aspiratov, pridobljenih z aspiracijsko biopsijo s tanko iglo. Namenjen je tudi temu, da ga uporabljajo laboratorijske stranke, razvijalci in proizvajalci diagnostike in vitro, biobanke, institucije in komercialne organizacije, ki izvajajo biomedicinske raziskave, ter regulativni organi.
Za zbiranje, stabiliziranje, prevoz in shrambo aspiratov, pridobljenih z aspiracijsko biopsijo z debelo iglo (FNA B) se uporabljajo drugačni namenski ukrepi, ki niso zajeti v tem dokumentu, temveč v standardih ISO 20184-1, Molekularne diagnostične preiskave in vitro – Specifikacije za predpreiskovalne procese za zamrznjena tkiva – 1. del: Izolirani RNK in ISO 20166-1, Molekularne diagnostične preiskave in vitro – Specifikacije za predpreiskovalne procese za tkiva, ki so fiksirana v formalinu ter položena v parafin – 1. del: Izolirani RNK.
RNK v patogenih v aspiratu ni zajeta v tem dokumentu.
OPOMBA:   Za določene teme, ki so zajete v tem dokumentu, lahko veljajo tudi mednarodni, nacionalni ali regionalni predpisi ali zahteve.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
23-Sep-2021
Publication Date
13-Jan-2022
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
29-Dec-2021
Due Date
05-Mar-2022
Completion Date
14-Jan-2022

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SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17688-1:2022
01-februar-2022
Molekularne diagnostične preiskave in vitro - Specifikacije za predpreiskovalne
procese pri aspiraciji s tanko iglo (FNA) - 1. del: Izolirana celična RNK
Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations - Specifications for pre-examination processes
for Fine Needle Aspirates (FNAs) - Part 1: Isolated cellular RNA
Molekularanalytische in‐vitro‐diagnostische Verfahren - Spezifikationen für
präanalytische Prozesse für Feinnadelaspiration (FNA) - Teil 1: Isolierte zelluläre RNA
Analyses moléculaires de diagnostic in vitro - Spécifications pour les processus
préanalytiques pour les ponctions à l’aiguille fine - Partie 1 : ARN cellulaire extrait
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 17688-1:2021
ICS:
11.100.10 Diagnostični preskusni In vitro diagnostic test
sistemi in vitro systems
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17688-1:2022 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST-TS CEN/TS 17688-1:2022

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SIST-TS CEN/TS 17688-1:2022


CEN/TS 17688-1
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE

December 2021
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
ICS 11.100.10
English Version

Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations - Specifications
for pre-examination processes for Fine Needle Aspirates
(FNAs) - Part 1: Isolated cellular RNA
Analyses moléculaires de diagnostic in vitro - Molekularanalytische in-vitro-diagnostische Verfahren
Spécifications pour les processus préanalytiques pour - Spezifikationen für präanalytische Prozesse für
les ponctions à l'aiguille fine - Partie 1 : ARN cellulaire Feinnadelaspiration (FNA) - Teil 1: Isolierte zelluläre
extrait RNA
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 15 November 2021 for provisional application.

The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to
submit their comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.

CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS
available promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in
parallel to the CEN/TS) until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 17688-1:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General considerations . 12
5 Outside the laboratory . 13
5.1 Specimen collection . 13
5.1.1 General . 13
5.1.2 Information about the patient/specimen donor . 13
5.1.3 Information about the specimen . 14
5.1.4 Selection of the primary FNA collection device . 14
5.1.5 FNA specimen collection and stabilization from the donor/patient . 14
5.2 Specimen storage and transport . 16
6 Inside the laboratory . 16
6.1 Specimen reception . 16
6.2 Specimen/sample storage after transport and reception . 16
6.2.1 General . 16
6.2.2 Storage of FNA specimen/samples using collection devices with stabilizer . 17
6.2.3 Storage of FNA specimen/samples using collection devices without stabilizers . 17
6.3 Specimen/sample processing for cytological examination prior to RNA isolation . 17
6.3.1 General . 17
6.3.2 Handling of cell suspension . 18
6.3.3 Preparation of paraffin-embedded cell blocks. 19
6.3.4 Preparation of cell suspension slides . 20
6.4 Evaluation of the pathology of the specimen or sample(s) . 20
6.5 Processed sample storage, transport and reception . 21
6.5.1 General . 21
6.5.2 Storage and transport of cell suspension . 21
6.5.3 Storage and transport of paraffin-embedded cell blocks . 21
6.5.4 Storage and transport of cell suspension slides . 22
6.6 Isolation of RNA . 22
6.6.1 General . 22
6.6.2 Using a commercial RNA isolation kit intended for diagnostic use . 22
6.6.3 Using a laboratory developed RNA isolation procedure. 23
6.6.4 Further specifications . 23
6.7 Quantity and quality assessment of isolated RNA . 24
6.7.1 General . 24
6.7.2 Quantity assessment . 25
6.7.3 Quality assessment . 25
6.8 Storage of isolated RNA . 25
6.8.1 General . 25
6.8.2 RNA isolated using commercially available kits . 26
6.8.3 RNA isolated using a laboratory developed procedure . 26
2

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Annex A (informative) Impact of pre-analytical variables on FNA sample quality, RNA
quantity and quality . 27
A.1 Introduction. 27
A.2 Method – FNA model sample . 27
A.3 Result - Impact of specimen stabilization method on FNA cell quality . 28
A.3.1 General . 28
A.3.2 Method . 28
A.3.3 Result/conclusion. 30
A.4 Result – Impact of FNA sample stabilization on isolated RNA quality . 31
A.4.1 General . 31
A.4.2 Method . 31
A.4.3 Result/conclusion, part 1 . 31
A.4.4 Result/conclusion, part 2 . 33
A.4.5 Result/conclusion, part 3 . 34
A.5 Conclusions . 36
Bibliography . 37

3

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European foreword
This document (CEN/TS 17688-1:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 140 “In
vitro diagnostic medical devices”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United
Kingdom.
4

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Introduction
Molecular in vitro diagnostics has enabled significant progress in medicine. Further progress is expected
by new technologies analysing profiles of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites in human tissues and
body fluids. However, the profiles of these molecules can change drastically during the pre-examination
process, including the specimen collection, transport, storage and processing.
Examination of RNA is commonly used in clinical practice. This includes e.g. prognostic and predictive
biomarker examinations. This is a fast growing field in molecular diagnostics.
Fine needle aspiration is a non-surgical procedure that uses a thin, hollow-bore needle and syringe to
collect a specimen from patients for cytopathological and molecular investigation. As a minimally-
invasive technique, fine needle aspirates (FNAs) are commonly used to diagnose and monitor for example
a range of cancer types, e.g. breast, lung and thyroid cancer, and other diseases, such as inflammatory
diseases. FNAs also provide the opportunity to sample metastatic sites (e.g. lymph nodes) and otherwise
non-resectable tissues.
Besides cytological assessment, molecular biological analysis of FNAs is expected to become increasingly
used for cancer and other disease diagnostics, including companion diagnostics.
One of the challenges facing molecular analysis of FNA samples is their small size and diversity in
composition (cells, blood, body fluid). The low cellular content of FNAs means that the yield of isolated
RNA is typically towards the lower end of detection for molecular examination. Therefore, the RNA
isolation procedure should provide a sufficient amount of RNA as required by the specific examination.
RNA profiles and RNA integrities in FNAs can change drastically [15] during and after collection (due to,
e.g. gene induction, gene down regulation and RNA degradation). RNA expression can change differently
in different donors’/patients’ FNAs.
Therefore, standardization of the entire process from specimen collection to RNA examination is needed
to minimize RNA degradation and other RNA profile changes during and after FNA collection. This
document describes special measures which need to be taken to obtain good quality FNA
specimens/samples and isolated RNA therefrom for molecular examination.
In this document, the following verbal forms are used:
— “shall” indicates a requirement;
— “should” indicates a recommendation;
— “may” indicates a permission;
— “can” indicates a possibility or a capability.
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1 Scope
This document gives guidelines on the handling, documentation, storage and processing of fine needle
aspirates (FNAs) intended for RNA examination during the pre-examination phase before a molecular
examination is performed.
This document is applicable to molecular in vitro diagnostic examination including laboratory developed
tests performed by medical laboratories and molecular pathology laboratories that examine RNA isolated
from FNAs. 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.
Different dedicated measures are taken for collecting, stabilizing, transporting and storing of core needle
biopsies (FNA Biopsy or FNA B) and are not covered in this document, but in EN ISO 20184-1, Molecular
in vitro diagnostic examinations — Specifications for pre-examination processes for frozen tissue — Part 1:
Isolated RNA and EN ISO 20166-1, Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations — Specifications for pre-
examination processes for formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue — Part 1: Isolated RNA.
This document is not applicable for RNA examination by in situ detection.
NOTE International, national or regional regulations or requirements can also apply to specific topics covered
in this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 15189, Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence (ISO 15189)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 15189:2012 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
aliquot
portion of a larger amount of homogenous material, assumed to be taken with negligible sampling error
Note 1 to entry: The term is usually applied to fluids. Tissues are heterogeneous and therefore cannot be
aliquoted.
Note 2 to entry: The definition is derived from the Compendium of Chemical Terminology Gold Book.
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Version 2.3.3., 2014; the PAC, 1990,62,1193 (Nomenclature for
sampling in analytical chemistry (Recommendations 1990)) p. 1206; and the PAC 1990, 62, 2167 (Glossary of
atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)) p. 2173.
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3.2
ambient temperature
unregulated temperature of the surrounding air
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.2]
3.3
analyte
component represented in the name of a measurable quantity
[SOURCE: ISO 17511:2020, 3.2, modified — Deleted example.]
3.4
analytical test performance
analytical performance
accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of a test to measure the analyte of interest
Note 1 to entry: Other test performance characteristics such as robustness, repeatability can apply as well.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20184-1:2018, 3.4]
3.5
biomolecule
organic molecule produced by living organisms that is involved in the maintenance and metabolic
processes of organisms
Note 1 to entry: Examples of organic molecules are protein, carbohydrate, lipid, or nucleic acid.
3.6
cell block
paraffin-embedded cell clot
3.7
cell clot
cell-rich liquid specimen/sample concentrated into a compact cell aggregate for subsequent processing
3.8
closed system
non-modifiable system provided by the vendor including all necessary components for the examination
(i.e. hardware, software, procedures and reagents)
3.9
cytocentrifugation
cytology method that is specifically designed to concentrate cells on a slide by centrifugation
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.7]
3.10
deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
polymer of deoxyribonucleotides occurring in a double-stranded (dsDNA) or single-stranded (ssDNA)
form
[SOURCE: EN ISO 22174:2005, 3.1.2]
7

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3.11
deoxyribonuclease
DNase
enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of DNA into smaller components
3.12
diagnosis
identification of a disease from its signs and symptoms, where the diagnostic process can involve
examinations and tests for classification of an individual's condition into separate and distinct categories
or subclasses that allow medical decisions about treatment and prognosis to be made
3.13
examination
analytical test
set of operations with the objective of determining the value or characteristics of a property
Note 1 to entry: Processes that start with the in situ detection using antibodies, nucleic acid probes or dyes and
include all kinds of parameter testing or chemical manipulation for quantitative or qualitative examination.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 15189:2012, 3.7, modified — Notes to entry 1 to 3 have been removed. Note 1 to entry
has been added and “analytical test” has been added as a preferred term.]
3.14
examination manufacturer
analytical test manufacturer
entity that manufactures and/or produces a specific analytical test
3.15
examination performance
analytical test performance
analytical performance
accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of a test to measure the analyte of interest
Note 1 to entry: Other test performance characteristics such as robustness, repeatability can apply as well.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20184-1:2018, 3.4]
3.16
fixative
solution used to preserve or harden FNA specimens for microscopic and molecular examination
3.17
formalin
saturated aqueous formaldehyde solution which at 100 % contains 37 % formaldehyde by mass
(corresponding to 40 % by volume)
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.11]
3.18
fine needle aspirate
FNA
specimen withdrawn by a non-operative procedure that uses a thin, hollow-bore needle
8

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3.19
FNA primary collection device
thin, hollow-bore needle or syringe used for collecting the FNA specimen from the donor/patient
3.20
FNA secondary collection device
suitable container into which the specimen is transferred from the FNA primary collection device
3.21
homogeneous
uniform in structure and composition
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.31]
3.22
interfering substances
endogenous substances of a specimen/sample or exogenous substances that can alter an examination
result
Note 1 to entry: Examples of endogenous substances include blood components in the FNA specimen.
Note 2 to entry: Examples of exogenous substances include compounds of stabilization solutions.
3.23
laboratory developed procedure
modified commercially available in vitro diagnostic device or fully in house developed procedure
3.24
paraffin embedding
process in which a sample is placed in paraffin to generate a hard surrounding matrix so that thin
microscopic sections can be cut
3.25
pre-examination process
pre-analytical workflow
pre-analytical phase
pre-examination phase
process that starts, in chronological order, from the clinician’s request and includes the examination
request, preparation and identification of the patient, collection of the primary sample(s), transportation
to and within the analytical laboratory, isolation of analytes, and ends when the analytical examination
begins
Note 1 to entry: The pre-examination phase includes preparative processes that influence the outcome of the
intended examination.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 15189:2012, 3.15, modified — An additional term was added and more detail was
included.]
9

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3.26
primary sample
specimen
discrete portion of a body fluid, breath, hair or tissue taken for examination, study or analysis of one or
more quantities or properties assumed to apply for the whole
[SOURCE: EN ISO 15189:2012, 3.16, modified — The term and definition is used here without the original
notes.]
3.27
proficiency test
evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of inter-laboratory
comparisons
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.7, modified — Term and definition are used here without the
original notes.]
3.28
ribonucleic acid
RNA
polymer of ribonucleotides occurring in a double-stranded or single-stranded form
[SOURCE: EN ISO 22174:2005, 3.1.3]
3.29
RNA profile
amounts of the individual RNA molecules that are present in a specimen/sample and that can be
measured in the absence of any losses, inhibition and interference
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.19]
3.30
ribonuclease
RNase
enzyme that catalyses the degradation of RNA into smaller components
3.31
room temperature
temperature in the range of 18 °C to 25 °C
Note 1 to entry: Local or national regulations can have different definitions.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.22]
3.32
sample
one or more parts taken from a specimen
[SOURCE: EN ISO 15189:2012, 3.24, modified — Example has been removed.]
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3.33
stability
ability of a sample material, when stored under specified conditions, to maintain a stated property value
within specified limits for a specified period of time
Note 1 to entry: For the purpose of this document, the measurand constituent is isolated RNA.
[SOURCE ISO Guide 30:2015, 2.1.15, modified — The phrase “reference material” has been replaced
by “sample material”.]
3.34
stabilizer
substance which has the ability to maintain a stated property value within specified limits for a specified
period of time of a sample material
Note 1 to entry: The substance can contain a fixative belonging to different fixative subgroups e.g. crosslinking
fixatives (e.g. formalin) or coagulating fixatives (e.g. methanol, ethanol).
3.35
stabilization
process of maintaining a stated property value within specified limits for a specified period of time of a
specimen/sample material
3.36
standard buffered formalin solution
neutral buffered formalin
NBF
10 % formalin solution in water with a mass fraction of 3,7 % (corresponding to a volume fraction of 4 %)
formaldehyde, buffered to pH 6,8 to pH 7,2
Note 1 to entry: Standard buffered formalin solutions often contain small amounts of methanol to inhibit
oxidation and polymerisation of formaldehyde.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.25]
3.37
storage
prolonged interruption of the pre-analytical workflow of a sample or analyte respectively, or of their
derivatives, under appropriate conditions in order to preserve their properties
Note 1 to entry: Long-term storage typically occurs in laboratory archives or in biobanks.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20184-1:2018, 3.21, modified — Example has been removed.]
3.38
tissue processor
automated instrument where tissue fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation (with paraffin)
occur
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.27]
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3.39
validation
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that the requirements for a specific intended
use or application have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: The term “validated” is used to designate the corresponding status.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.13, modified — Note 1 and Note 3 have been omitted.]
3.40
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: The term “verified” is used to designate the corresponding status.
Note 2 to entry: Confirmation can comprise activities such as:
— performing alternative calculations;
— comparing a new design specification with a similar proven design specification;
— undertaking tests and demonstrations;
— reviewing documents prior to issue.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.12, modified — Note 1 and Note 2 have been omitted.]
3.41
workflow
series of activities necessary to complete a task
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.30]
4 General considerations
For general statements on medical laboratory quality management systems and in particular on
specimen collection, reception and handling (including avoidance of cross contaminations) see
EN ISO 15189, EN ISO/IEC 17020 or EN ISO/IEC 17025. ISO/TS 20658 and EN ISO 20387 (for
biobanking) can also apply. The requirements on laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables
according to EN ISO 15189 shall be followed; EN ISO/IEC 17020 and EN ISO/IEC 17025 can also apply.
All steps of the pre-examination, examination and post-examination processes (i.e. the entire workflow)
can influence the diagnosis or research study results.
Thus, this entire workflow shall be specified, verified and validated during the development of the
examination, including the development of in v
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17688-1:2021
01-september-2021
Molekularne diagnostične preiskave in vitro - Specifikacije za predpreiskovalne
procese pri aspiraciji s tanko iglo (FNA) - 1. del: Izolirana celična RNK
Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations - Specifications for pre-examination processes
for Fine Needle Aspirates (FNAs) - Part 1: Isolated cellular RNA
Molekularanalytische in‐vitro‐diagnostische Verfahren - Spezifikationen für
präanalytische Prozesse für Feinnadelaspiration (FNA) - Teil 1: Isolierte zelluläre RNA
Analyses moléculaires de diagnostic in vitro - Spécifications pour les processus
préanalytiques pour les ponctions à l’aiguille fine - Partie 1 : ARN cellulaire extrait
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: FprCEN/TS 17688-1
ICS:
11.100.10 Diagnostični preskusni In vitro diagnostic test
sistemi in vitro systems
kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17688-1:2021 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17688-1:2021

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kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17688-1:2021


FINAL DRAFT
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
FprCEN/TS 17688-1
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE

TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION

July 2021
ICS 11.100.10
English Version

Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations - Specifications
for pre-examination processes for Fine Needle Aspirates
(FNAs) - Part 1: Isolated cellular RNA
Analyses moléculaires de diagnostic in vitro - Molekularanalytische in-vitro-diagnostische Verfahren
Spécifications pour les processus préanalytiques pour - Spezifikationen für präanalytische Prozesse für
les ponctions à l'aiguille fine - Partie 1 : ARN cellulaire Feinnadelaspiration (FNA) - Teil 1: Isolierte zelluläre
extrait RNA


This draft Technical Specification is submitted to CEN members for Vote. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 140.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a Technical Specification. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change
without notice and shall not be referred to as a Technical Specification.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. FprCEN/TS 17688-1:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General considerations . 12
5 Outside the laboratory . 13
5.1 Specimen collection . 13
5.1.1 General . 13
5.1.2 Information about the patient/specimen donor . 13
5.1.3 Information about the specimen . 14
5.1.4 Selection of the primary FNA collection device . 14
5.1.5 FNA specimen collection and stabilization from the donor/patient . 14
5.2 Specimen storage and transport . 16
6 Inside the laboratory . 16
6.1 Specimen reception . 16
6.2 Specimen/sample storage after transport and reception . 16
6.2.1 General . 16
6.2.2 Storage of FNA specimen/samples using collection devices with stabilizer . 17
6.2.3 Storage of FNA specimen/samples using collection devices without stabilizers . 17
6.3 Specimen/sample processing for cytological examination prior to RNA isolation . 17
6.3.1 General . 17
6.3.2 Handling of cell suspension . 18
6.3.3 Preparation of paraffin-embedded cell blocks. 19
6.3.4 Preparation of cell suspension slides . 20
6.4 Evaluation of the pathology of the specimen or sample(s) . 20
6.5 Processed sample storage, transport and reception . 21
6.5.1 General . 21
6.5.2 Storage and transport of cell suspension . 21
6.5.3 Storage and transport of paraffin-embedded cell blocks . 21
6.5.4 Storage and transport of cell suspension slides . 22
6.6 Isolation of RNA . 22
6.6.1 General . 22
6.6.2 Using a commercial RNA isolation kit intended for diagnostic use . 22
6.6.3 Using a laboratory developed RNA isolation procedure. 23
6.6.4 Further specifications . 23
6.7 Quantity and quality assessment of isolated RNA . 24
6.7.1 General . 24
6.7.2 Quantity assessment . 25
6.7.3 Quality assessment . 25
6.8 Storage of isolated RNA . 25
6.8.1 General . 25
6.8.2 RNA isolated using commercially available kits . 26
6.8.3 RNA isolated using a laboratory developed procedure . 26
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Annex A (informative) Impact of pre-analytical variables on FNA sample quality, RNA
quantity and quality . 27
A.1 Introduction. 27
A.2 Method – FNA model sample . 27
A.3 Result - Impact of specimen stabilization method on FNA cell quality . 28
A.3.1 General . 28
A.3.2 Method . 28
A.3.3 Result/conclusion. 30
A.4 Result – Impact of FNA sample stabilization on isolated RNA quality . 31
A.4.1 General . 31
A.4.2 Method . 31
A.4.3 Result/conclusion, part 1 . 31
A.4.4 Result/conclusion, part 2 . 33
A.4.5 Result/conclusion, part 3 . 34
A.5 Conclusions . 36
Bibliography . 37

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European foreword
This document (FprCEN/TS 17688-1:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 140 “In
vitro diagnostic medical devices”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the Vote on TS.
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Introduction
Molecular in vitro diagnostics has enabled significant progress in medicine. Further progress is expected
by new technologies analysing profiles of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites in human tissues and
body fluids. However, the profiles of these molecules can change drastically during the pre-examination
process, including the specimen collection, transport, storage and processing.
Examination of RNA is commonly used in clinical practice. This includes e.g. prognostic and predictive
biomarker examinations. This is a fast growing field in molecular diagnostics.
Fine needle aspiration is a non-surgical procedure that uses a thin, hollow-bore needle and syringe to
collect a specimen from patients for cytopathological and molecular investigation. As a minimally-
invasive technique, fine needle aspirates (FNAs) are commonly used to diagnose and monitor for example
a range of cancer types e.g. breast, lung and thyroid cancer, and other diseases, such as inflammatory
diseases. FNAs also provide the opportunity to sample metastatic sites (e.g. lymph nodes) and otherwise
non-resectable tissues.
Besides cytological assessment, molecular biological analysis of FNAs is expected to become increasingly
used for cancer and other disease diagnostics, including companion diagnostics.
One of the challenges facing molecular analysis of FNA samples is their small size and diversity in
composition (cells, blood, body fluid). The low cellular content of FNAs means that the yield of isolated
RNA is typically towards the lower end of detection for molecular examination. Therefore, the RNA
isolation procedure should provide a sufficient amount of RNA as required by the specific examination.
RNA profiles and RNA integrities in FNAs can change drastically [15] during and after collection (due to,
e.g. gene induction, gene down regulation and RNA degradation). RNA expression can change differently
in different donors’/patients’ FNAs.
Therefore, standardization of the entire process from specimen collection to RNA examination is needed
to minimize RNA degradation and other RNA profile changes during and after FNA collection. This
document describes special measures which need to be taken to obtain good quality FNA
specimens/samples and isolated RNA therefrom for molecular examination.
In this document, the following verbal forms are used:
— “shall” indicates a requirement;
— “should” indicates a recommendation;
— “may” indicates a permission;
— “can” indicates a possibility or a capability.
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1 Scope
This document gives guidelines on the handling, documentation, storage and processing of fine needle
aspirates (FNAs) intended for RNA examination during the pre-examination phase before a molecular
examination is performed.
This document is applicable to molecular in vitro diagnostic examination including laboratory developed
tests performed by medical laboratories and molecular pathology laboratories that examine RNA isolated
from FNAs. 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.
Different dedicated measures are taken for collecting, stabilizing, transporting and storing of core needle
biopsies (FNA Biopsy or FNA B) and are not covered in this document, but in EN ISO 20184-1, Molecular
in vitro diagnostic examinations — Specifications for pre-examination processes for frozen tissue — Part 1:
Isolated RNA and EN ISO 20166-1, Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations — Specifications for pre-
examination processes for formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue — Part 1: Isolated RNA.
This document is not applicable for RNA examination by in situ detection.
NOTE International, national or regional regulations or requirements can also apply to specific topics covered
in this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 15189, Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence (ISO 15189)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 15189 and the following
apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
aliquot
portion of a larger amount of homogenous material, assumed to be taken with negligible sampling error
Note 1 to entry: The term is usually applied to fluids. Tissues are heterogeneous and therefore cannot be
aliquoted.
Note 2 to entry: The definition is derived from the Compendium of Chemical Terminology Gold Book.
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Version 2.3.3., 2014; the PAC, 1990,62,1193 (Nomenclature for
sampling in analytical chemistry (Recommendations 1990)) p. 1206; and the PAC 1990, 62, 2167 (Glossary of
atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)) p. 2173.
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3.2
ambient temperature
unregulated temperature of the surrounding air
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.2]
3.3
analyte
component represented in the name of a measurable quantity
[SOURCE: ISO 17511:2020, 3.2, modified — deleted example.]
3.4
analytical test performance
analytical performance
accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of a test to measure the analyte of interest
Note 1 to entry: Other test performance characteristics such as robustness, repeatability can apply as well.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20184-1:2018, 3.4]
3.5
biomolecule
organic molecule produced by living organisms that is involved in the maintenance and metabolic
processes of organisms
Note 1 to entry: Examples of organic molecules are protein, carbohydrate, lipid, or nucleic acid.
3.6
cell block
paraffin-embedded cell clot
3.7
cell clot
cell-rich liquid specimen/sample concentrated into a compact cell aggregate for subsequent processing
3.8
closed system
non-modifiable system provided by the vendor including all necessary components for the examination
(i.e., hardware, software, procedures and reagents)
3.9
cytocentrifugation
cytology method that is specifically designed to concentrate cells on a slide by centrifugation
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.7]
3.10
deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
polymer of deoxyribonucleotides occurring in a double-stranded (dsDNA) or single-stranded (ssDNA)
form
[SOURCE: EN ISO 22174:2005, 3.1.2]
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3.11
deoxyribonuclease
DNase
enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of DNA into smaller components
3.12
diagnosis
identification of a disease from its signs and symptoms, where the diagnostic process can involve
examinations and tests for classification of an individual's condition into separate and distinct categories
or subclasses that allow medical decisions about treatment and prognosis to be made
3.13
examination
analytical test
set of operations with the objective of determining the value or characteristics of a property
Note 1 to entry: Processes that start with the in situ detection using antibodies, nucleic acid probes or dyes and
include all kinds of parameter testing or chemical manipulation for quantitative or qualitative examination.
[SOURCE: ISO 15189:2012, 3.7, modified — Notes to entry 1 to 3 have been removed. Note 1 to entry has
been added and “analytical test” has been added as a preferred term.]
3.14
examination manufacturer
analytical test manufacturer
entity that manufactures and/or produces a specific analytical test
3.15
examination performance
analytical test performance
analytical performance
accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of a test to measure the analyte of interest
Note 1 to entry: Other test performance characteristics such as robustness, repeatability can apply as well.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20184-1:2018, 3.4]
3.16
fixative
solution used to preserve or harden FNA specimens for microscopic and molecular examination
3.17
formalin
saturated aqueous formaldehyde solution which at 100 % contains 37 % formaldehyde by mass
(corresponding to 40 % by volume)
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.11]
3.18
fine needle aspirate
FNA
specimen withdrawn by a non-operative procedure that uses a thin, hollow-bore needle
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3.19
FNA primary collection device
thin, hollow-bore needle or syringe used for collecting the FNA specimen from the donor/patient
3.20
FNA secondary collection device
suitable container into which the specimen is transferred from the FNA primary collection device
3.21
homogeneous
uniform in structure and composition
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.31]
3.22
interfering substances
endogenous substances of a specimen/sample or exogenous substances that can alter an examination
result
Note 1 to entry: Examples of endogenous substances include blood components in the FNA specimen.
Note 2 to entry: Examples of exogenous substances include compounds of stabilization solutions.
3.23
laboratory developed procedure
modified commercially available in vitro diagnostic device or fully in house developed procedure
3.24
paraffin embedding
process in which a sample is placed in paraffin to generate a hard surrounding matrix so that thin
microscopic sections can be cut
3.25
pre-examination process
pre-analytical workflow
pre-analytical phase
pre-examination phase
process that starts, in chronological order, from the clinician’s request and includes the examination
request, preparation and identification of the patient, collection of the primary sample(s), transportation
to and within the analytical laboratory, isolation of analytes, and ends when the analytical examination
begins
Note 1 to entry: The pre-examination phase includes preparative processes that influence the outcome of the
intended examination.
[SOURCE: ISO 15189:2012, 3.15, modified — An additional term was added and more detail was
included.]
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3.26
primary sample
specimen
discrete portion of a body fluid, breath, hair or tissue taken for examination, study or analysis of one or
more quantities or properties assumed to apply for the whole
[SOURCE: ISO 15189:2012, 3.16, modified — The term and definition is used here without the original
notes.]
3.27
proficiency test
evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of inter-laboratory
comparisons
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.7, modified — Term and definition are used here without the
original notes.]
3.28
ribonucleic acid
RNA
polymer of ribonucleotides occurring in a double-stranded or single-stranded form
[SOURCE: EN ISO 22174:2005, 3.1.3]
3.29
RNA profile
amounts of the individual RNA molecules that are present in a specimen/sample and that can be
measured in the absence of any losses, inhibition and interference
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.19]
3.30
ribonuclease
RNase
enzyme that catalyses the degradation of RNA into smaller components
3.31
room temperature
temperature in the range of 18 °C to 25 °C
Note 1 to entry: Local or national regulations can have different definitions.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.22]
3.32
sample
one or more parts taken from a specimen
[SOURCE: ISO 15189:2012, 3.24, modified — Example has been removed.]
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3.33
stability
ability of a sample material, when stored under specified conditions, to maintain a stated property value
within specified limits for a specified period of time
Note 1 to entry: For the purpose of this document, the measurand constituent is isolated RNA.
[SOURCE ISO Guide 30:2015, 2.1.15, modified — The phrase “reference material” has been replaced
by “sample material”.]
3.34
stabilizer
substance which has the ability to maintain a stated property value within specified limits for a specified
period of time of a sample material
Note 1 to entry: The substance can contain a fixative belonging to different fixative subgroups e.g. crosslinking
fixatives (e.g. formalin) or coagulating fixatives (e.g. methanol, ethanol).
3.35
stabilization
process of maintaining a stated property value within specified limits for a specified period of time of a
specimen/sample material
3.36
standard buffered formalin solution
neutral buffered formalin
NBF
10 % formalin solution in water with a mass fraction of 3,7 % (corresponding to a volume fraction of 4 %)
formaldehyde, buffered to pH 6,8 to pH 7,2
Note 1 to entry: Standard buffered formalin solutions often contain small amounts of methanol to inhibit
oxidation and polymerisation of formaldehyde.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.25]
3.37
storage
prolonged interruption of the pre-analytical workflow of a sample or analyte respectively, or of their
derivatives, under appropriate conditions in order to preserve their properties
Note 1 to entry: Long-term storage typically occurs in laboratory archives or in biobanks.
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20184-1:2018, 3.21, modified — Example has been removed.]
3.38
tissue processor
automated instrument where tissue fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation (with paraffin)
occur
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.27]
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3.39
validation
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that the requirements for a specific intended
use or application have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: The term “validated” is used to designate the corresponding status.
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.13, modified — Note 1 and Note 3 have been omitted.]
3.40
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: The term “verified” is used to designate the corresponding status.
Note 2 to entry: Confirmation can comprise activities such as:
— performing alternative calculations;
— comparing a new design specification with a similar proven design specification;
— undertaking tests and demonstrations;
— reviewing documents prior to issue.
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.12, modified — Note 1 and Note 2 have been omitted.]
3.41
workflow
series of activities necessary to complete a task
[SOURCE: EN ISO 20166-1:2018, 3.30]
4 General considerations
For general statements on medical laboratory quality management systems and in particular on
specimen collection, reception and handling (including avoidance of cross contaminations) see
EN ISO 15189, EN ISO/IEC 17020 or EN ISO/IEC 17025. ISO/TS 20658 and EN ISO 20387 (for
biobanking) can also apply. The requirements on laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables
according to EN ISO 15189 shall be followed; EN ISO/IEC 17020 and EN ISO/IEC 17025 can also apply.
All steps of the pre-examination, examination and post-examination processes (i.e. the entire workflow)
can influence the diagnosis or research study results.
Thus, this entire workflow shall be specified, verified and validated during the development of the
examination, including the development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices. This includes
specifically all pre-examination process steps such as the examination request, preparation and
identification of the patient, collection of the primary sample(s), transport to and within the medical
laboratory, storage and isolation of analytes. The specifications about the specimen transport and storage
shall also include information on the stability of the specimen's analyte profile including the timeframe
between collecting the specimen and its examination and storage conditions such as duration,
temperature limits and freeze/thaw cycles. The verification and validation shall take into account the
impact of the FNA specimen variability (e.g. tissue type, heterogeneity, specimen quantity and volume,
presence of blood and inflammatory cells) on the examination.
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During
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