A Comparison of Two Different FFPE Tissue Dissection Methods for Routine Diagnostics in Molecular Pathology: Manual Macrodissection versus Automated Microdissection Using the Roche “AVENIO Millisect” System

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In order to facilitate routine processes not only by saving time and personnel capacities but also by minimising the loss of valuable patient material, automated systems have become increasingly attractive for integration into laboratory workflows. The aim of this study is to assess whether the automatic dissection with the help of the “AVENIO Millisect” system has advantages over the manual dissection data of the same samples, and directly compare both processes. ABSTRACT: Currently, in routine diagnostics, most molecular testing is performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue after a histomorphological assessment. In order to find the best possible and targeted individual therapy, knowing the mutational status of the tumour is crucial. The “AVENIO Millisect” system Roche introduced an automation solution for the dissection of tissue on slides. This technology allows the precise and fully automated dissection of the tumour area without wasting limited and valuable patient material. In this study, the digitally guided microdissection was directly compared to the manual macrodissection regarding the precision and duration of the procedure, their DNA concentrations as well as DNA qualities, and the overall costs in 24 FFPE samples. In 21 of 24 cases (87.5%), the DNA yields of the manually dissected samples were higher in comparison to the automatically dissected samples. Shorter execution times and lower costs were also benefits of the manual scraping process. Nevertheless, the DNA quality achieved with both methods was comparable, which is essential for further molecular testing. Therefore, it could be used as an additional tool for precise tumour enrichment.