The importance of blood collection methods in cfDNA applications
The introduction of non-invasive approaches such as liquid biopsy, which utilise cfDNA has driven increased interest in cancer research and translational genomics. DNA obtained from whole blood can provide valuable genomic information for molecular analysis without the need for tissue biopsies.
Whilst taking a blood sample is a simple procedure, if blood plasma is not preserved or isolated within 24 hours of blood draw, the degradation of nucleated white blood cells will cause the release of intracellular genomic DNA (gDNA) into the plasma. This can contaminate the cfDNA fraction and impact data quality. This time constraint means that delays in transport of samples from collection site to analysis location can negatively impact downstream analyses.
Cell3 Preserver blood collection tubes are an easy-to-use, direct-draw blood collection method that maintain white blood cell integrity for up to 10 days. They provide an alternative to EDTA tubes to help support the collection of cfDNA, while minimising gDNA contamination.
Key Features
- Stabilises whole blood for up to 10 days post blood draw, supporting batching of samples for countrywide or international shipping.
- Preserves high quality cfDNA for use in downstream applications, such as qPCR and NGS.
- Plastic tubes, compatible with standard draw equipment, reduce the chance of glass breakage during transport or centrifugation.
- Barcoded labels allow seamless integration with existing automation and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
- Environmentally friendly, use directly from the box (no plastic wrapping)
Maximise cfDNA yield
Blood is collected into Cell3 Preserver tubes containing an additive that stabilises blood cells and impedes coagulation. The stabiliser preserves white blood cells, reducing cell lysis and limiting the release of intracellular gDNA into the plasma.
This supports optimised cfDNA yields that remain stable for up to 10 days until processing and analysis can be performed.
Minimise gDNA contamination
Lysis of white blood cells (WBC) results in the release of gDNA into plasma contaminating samples and reducing cfDNA integrity. Cell3™ Preserver tubes stabilise WBCs for up to 10 days, reducing lysis and helping preserve cfDNA quality for downstream analyses.
cfDNA sample quality, assessed using the Tapestation 4200 cfDNA assay, shows concentrations of >70% cfDNA at blood draw (day 0) and comparable %cfDNA for up to 10 days post draw.
Electropherograms show the typical profile for good quality cfDNA samples with a strong peak at 201 base pairs
Supporting busy laboratories
The Cell3 Preserver blood collection tube has been designed to support busy laboratories.
Plastic tubes minimise the chance of breakage during transportation and centrifugation, reducing the time and cost associated with the need to re-sample or clean out a centrifuge.
A sample barcode is included to allow LIMS compatibility, sample tracking and to assist high throughput clinical and translational labs.
Suitable for batching and transporting samples
Cell3 Preserver has superior blood cell stability allowing blood samples to be stored at ambient temperatures for up to 10 days post blood draw before processing. This minimises the adverse effects of time, storage, and transport conditions on sample integrity and cfDNA extraction yield and opens up the possibility of decentralised sample collection.
For Research Use Only. Not to be used in diagnostic procedures.
Stability, shipping and performance data are generated for research purposes only.




