Formalin-fixed, and paraffin embedded biopsy samples can be useful sources for DNA analysis. In two cases, two tissue specimens taken from patients during total thyroidectomy operations were sent to pathology laboratory in accordance with the routine application. However, from pathology laboratory, results of the three samples belonging to the same patient were reported. Nodular goitre in two, and papillary carcinoma in one sample were diagnosed. Due to the difference of therapies to be applied, genetic matching between tissue samples sent and the patient had been claimed for the determination of whether all the samples do belong to the same patient or not.

For each case totally six tissue samples, fixed in formalin (n=3) and embedded in paraffin (n=3) were sent to the DNA laboratory of the department of forensic sciences. When DNA profiles of blood samples and tissue specimens taken from patients were compared, all samples matched perfectly with respect to 16 analyzed genetic loci, and thus it was concluded that the specimens were unmistakably belonged to the respective biopsied patients. Analyses were completed within three days and the results were sent to the related clinics.