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VA Technical Reference Model v 26.1

OpenSpecimen

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	OpenSpecimen is an open source, web-based biospecimen inventory and tracking technology that can collect high-quality, standards-based data specific to a disease or set of study requirements. OpenSpecimen tracks collection, storage, quality assurance, and distribution of biospecimens labeled through barcoding systems. OpenSpecimen was previously known as caTissue, which was initially developed with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This technology stores data an Oracle Database, but has the potential to connect to other databases and electronic health records (EHRs), where it can store and manipulate data.
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v26.1
Decision Date:	01/08/2026 at 04:29:32 UTC
Aliases:	caTissue Core, caTissue
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Krishagni Solutions
Cage Code:	N/A

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

You must be logged into the RSAA website prior to clicking the Attestation URLs or the URLs won't open.

Major versions and minor versions of that Major released on or after 09/14/2022 are NOT EXEMPT. Major Versions released before 09/14/2022 are EXEMPT as well as minor versions of that Major regardless of release date.

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
caTissue 1.0	12/20/2006
caTissue 1.1	02/02/2007
caTissue 1.2	05/21/2007
caTissue 1.2.1	02/26/2008
caTissue 1.2.2	08/15/2012
OpenSpecimen 1.0	09/30/2014
OpenSpecimen 1.1.x	12/08/2014
OpenSpecimen 1.2	03/11/2015
OpenSpecimen 2.5.x	01/06/2016
OpenSpecimen 4.x.x	04/27/2017
OpenSpecimen 5.x.x	01/04/2018
OpenSpecimen 6.x.x	03/05/2019
OpenSpecimen 7.x.x	04/28/2020
OpenSpecimen 10.x.x	01/30/2023
OpenSpecimen 11.x	05/31/2024
OpenSpecimen 12.x	02/21/2025

Current Decision Matrix (01/06/2026)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VAIT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported.

Legend:

White	Authorized: The technology/standard has been authorized for use.
Yellow	Authorized w/ Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a] : This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[b] : VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unauthorized may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Unauthorized: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[c] : The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered Unauthorized, Conditions Required ^[a] .

Release	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4
<Past	CY2026				CY2027				CY2028				Future>
caTissue 1.0	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
caTissue 1.1	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
caTissue 1.2	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
caTissue 1.2.1	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
caTissue 1.2.2	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 1.0	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 1.1.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 1.2	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 2.5.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 4.x.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 5.x.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 6.x.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 7.x.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 10.x.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 11.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
OpenSpecimen 12.x	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required (POA&M Required)	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]	Unauthorized, Conditions Required^[a]
Note:	At the time of writing, version 12.2 is the most current version, released 12/31/2025.

Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.


Information Management Technologies Business Intelligence and Data Warehouse Platforms	Clinical Environment and Tools

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This technology is available at no cost through open source licensing and supports VA`s open source initiative.
At the time of writing, no National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) vulnerabilities had been reported and no VA Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) bulletins had been issued for the latest versions of this technology.
This is a well-documented technology.
This technology may improve productivity for specific staff whose responsibilities include biospecimen analysis.

Adoption Risks

System scans indicate that this technology is no longer in use within the VA network.
As open-source software, this product may be left without clearly defined support options which may result in suboptimal enterprise level support.
This technology can integrate with and alter database technologies.
Due to the rapid release schedule of this technology, the VA may be unable to update to the most recent patch and may require a deployment model requiring the use of specific versions.
The potential exists to store Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI) and/or VA Sensitive data and proper security standards must be followed in these cases.
This technology relies on Java Runtime Environment (JRE) - Oracle, which has a rapid release and update schedule.

Architectural Benefits

This technology is portable as it runs on multiple TRM-authorized operating systems.
This technology can use a VA-preferred database.

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (01/08/2026 at 04:29:32 UTC).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 26.1

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (01/06/2026)

References

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Open Source

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Optional Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

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Adoption Risks

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