New Blood Collection Tubes Stabilise Nucleated Blood Cells   

The new Streck Cell-Free DNA BCT® CE blood collection tubes, now available in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, contain a preservative that stabilises nucleated blood cells. This unique stabilisation prevents the release of genomic DNA (gDNA), allowing isolation of high-quality cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples.

These can then be used for a wide range of downstream applications in clinical research studies, drug discovery and diagnostic assay development such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), liquid biopsies and post transplantation non-invasive graft monitoring. The Cell-Free DNA BCT CE tubes have also been demonstrated to minimise the degradation of circulating tumour cells (CTCs).

Cell-Free DNA BCT CE tubes reduce the need for immediate plasma preparation and CTC processing due to their unique stabilisation properties. CfDNA and gDNA are stable for up to 14 days at 6°C to 37°C, CTCs are stable for up to 7 days, at room temperature. This enables convenient collection, transport and storage whilst maintaining sample integrity. Enhanced stability and recovery of cell-free plasma DNA minimises variability associated with cfDNA sample preparation.

The trusted technology of Cell-Free DNA BCT® CE glass tubes is now available in the Fusion2™ hybrid plastic tube. Fusion2 is composed of a medical-grade plastic with a silicon-based internal barrier coating, providing the benefits of glass with the safety and convenience of plastic.

The new Fusion2 tube offers sample stabilisation identical to the glass Cell-Free DNA BCT CE, which have been used by researchers in studies and clinical trials worldwide. The evaporation of valuable stabilising reagent over time is prevented in Fusion2 tubes leading to uncompromised sample integrity. The tubes are extremely robust and durable, making them resistant to breakage. The silicone-based barrier layer prevents oxygen from permeating through the plastic allowing tube to keep a strong vacuum which provides consistent draw volume. Moreover, the silicone-based barrier layer prevents leachables from migrating into the liquid samples.