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Updated: May 20, 2026
Automated Microfluidic Blood Lysis Protocol for Enrichment of Circulating Nucleated Cells
Published on: December 31, 2009
Stabilization of cell-free RNA in blood samples using a new collection device
M Rohan Fernando1, Sheila E Norton, Kristin K Luna
1Research and Development Division, Streck Inc., Omaha, NE 68128, USA. rfernando@streck.com
Objective:
To investigate whether a new blood collection device stabilizes cell-free RNA (cfRNA) in blood post-phlebotomy when compared to collection using K(3)EDTA tubes.
Design And Methods:
Blood samples were drawn from healthy donors into K(3)EDTA tubes and Cell-Free RNA BCTs (BCTs) and stored at room temperature (20-25 °C). At specified time points (days 0-3), plasma was separated and cfRNA was extracted. Reverse transcription real-time PCR was used to quantify mRNA for c-fos, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and for 18S rRNA.
Results:
Blood drawn into K(3)EDTA tubes showed a steady increase in RNA concentration over 3 days of ex vivo incubation. Blood drawn into BCTs showed no statistically significant change in RNA copy number except for GAPDH on day 3.
Conclusions:
The novel chemical cocktail contained in the new device allows for the stabilization of cfRNA in blood samples at room temperature, which potentially enhances the clinical utility of cfRNA.
