Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
12:21
A Versatile Automated Platform for Micro-scale Cell Stimulation Experiments
Published on: August 6, 2013
To the homeRNAmax: Developing an Improved Blood Self-Collection and Stabilization Platform for Remote Transcriptomic
Madeleine Eakman1, Filip Stefanovic1, Jean Berthier1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|June 16, 2026
Summary
The homeRNAmax kit enables remote blood collection and stabilizes RNA for gene expression analysis. This user-friendly device improves upon previous designs, facilitating easier participation in research studies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Decentralizing human subjects research to participants' homes reduces participation barriers.
- Previous homeRNA kit stabilized RNA in self-collected blood using a custom tube.
- Stabilized RNA is essential for downstream gene expression analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce homeRNAmax, an improved kit for remote blood RNA stabilization.
- Enhance compatibility with commercially available blood collection tubes (BD Microtainer).
- Increase stabilized sample volume compared to the original homeRNA kit.
Main Methods:
- homeRNAmax kit interfaces with BD Microtainer tubes for blood collection.
- Pilot study with 19 participants using homeRNAmax and Tasso+ device.
- Theoretical modeling of the fluidic feature preventing stabilizer spillage.
Main Results:
- homeRNAmax yielded high-quality RNA (mean RIN = 7.8) suitable for analysis.
- Sufficient RNA yield (mean = 1.93 μg) was achieved in the pilot study.
- Participants (17/19) found the homeRNAmax kit easy to use, enabling remote collection across the US.
Conclusions:
- homeRNAmax is a user-friendly and effective tool for remote blood RNA stabilization.
- The kit is compatible with various blood collection methods using BD Microtainer tubes.
- Ongoing studies, including rheumatology, confirm homeRNAmax's utility in clinical research.
