This invention relates to methods for the detection of one or more mRNA transcripts in paraffin-embedded tissue by "mRNA liberation in fixed-treated tissue or 'MLIFTT'". This method includes treating the tissue with ammonia-ethanol and sodium borohydride combined with pressure cooking of the tissue. The chemical treatments reduce the tissue autofluorescence and the physical treatments overcome the interference created by the fixation-induced chemical bonds. The methods of the present invention can be utilized to identify a plurality of mRNA transcripts in a microarray format.