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Whole blood cryopreservation in epidemiological studies
Richard B Hayes1, Craig O Smith, Wen-Yi Huang
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. hayesr@mail.nih.gov
Summary
Large-scale epidemiological studies require cost-effective biological sample storage. Whole blood cryopreservation using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) maintains cell viability and function for future etiological hypothesis testing.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Large-scale epidemiological studies necessitate standardized, cost-effective methods for biological sample collection, processing, and storage.
- Such methods are crucial for enabling the testing of diverse etiological hypotheses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of cryopreserving whole blood samples for long-term storage in epidemiological research.
- To assess the viability and functional capacity of cells within cryopreserved whole blood specimens.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected in acid-citrate-dextrose anticoagulant and shipped to a central laboratory.
- Whole blood aliquots were processed by adding 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and then cryopreserved.
- Tests were performed to assess Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation, lymphocyte viability, T-cell:B-cell ratios, and T-cell proliferation capacity.
Main Results:
- Cryopreservation of whole blood demonstrated successful Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation in over 90% of samples, even after 20 months of storage.
- Lymphocytes within the cryopreserved samples maintained good viability and stable T-cell:B-cell ratios.
- Cryopreserved T cells retained their capacity for proliferation when stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 and interleukin 2.
Conclusions:
- Whole blood cryopreservation is a viable and cost-effective strategy for the large-scale storage of biological samples in epidemiological studies.
- This method preserves cellular integrity and function, making the samples suitable for a wide range of downstream analyses.
- The established protocol supports the long-term storage of viable cells for future etiological research.