The key variable in any analysis is that the case and control samples are handled in the exact same manner throughout the entire analytical process from study design and collection of samples to data analysis [63, 65] . These types of differences between samples could have a significant impact on the stability of proteins or other molecules of interest in the specimens. Small differences in the processing or handling of a specimen can have dramatic effects in analytical reliability and reproducibility, especially when multiplex methods are used. A representative working group, standard operating procedures internal working group, comprised of members from across early detection research network should be formed to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various types of specimens collected and managed for biomarker discovery and validation work.