Performance of ImproGene Cell-Free DNA Tubes for Stabilization and Analysis of cfDNA in Blood Samples

Abstract

Background: With the development of liquid biopsy technology, the demand for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is increasing rapidly. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of different blood collection tubes on plasma cfDNA and NIPT quality control. Methods: We investigated hemolysis, cfDNA concentration, and fragment distribution within blood samples stored in EDTA, ImproGene, and Streck tubes. The effects of ImproGene and Streck tubes on NIPT quality control were evaluated. Results: The ImproGene tubes prevented the time-dependent increase of cfDNA concentration and preserved the cfDNA fragment size distribution. For NIPT quality control, there is no significant difference in cfDNA, library concentration, and fetal fraction between ImproGene and Streck tubes samples. GC content of the samples in ImproGene tubes was closer to the human genome. Conclusion: The ImproGene cfDNA tube has excellent performance and is an effective choice for storing blood samples for NIPT testing or other cfDNA analysis.

The impact of preanalytical variables on the analysis of cell-free DNA from blood and urine samples

“…Collection tubes with superior performance are preferred for blood collection. Anticoagulants, key components of blood collection tubes, can impact the quality and integrity of cfDNA ( Luo et al, 2022 ). Widely used anticoagulants such as EDTA, citrate, and heparin exhibit different functional characteristics ( Akat et al, 2019 ).…”

Critical appraisal of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction application for noninvasive prenatal testing

“…The advantage of using specific blood collection tubes is that it stabilizes cell-free DNA for up to 14 days at 4-37 C and ensures that cffDNA in maternal blood remains intact and undiluted with maternal genomic DNA released from unstabilized white blood cells. 29 A recent study even compared the Streck tubes with ImproGene tubes and demonstrated the superiority of ImproGene tubes over Streck tubes. 29 Plasma separation from the blood by centrifugation occurs at 22 C at 1600 Âg for 10 min.…”

“…29 A recent study even compared the Streck tubes with ImproGene tubes and demonstrated the superiority of ImproGene tubes over Streck tubes. 29 Plasma separation from the blood by centrifugation occurs at 22 C at 1600 Âg for 10 min. After that, without disturbing the buffy coat, plasma layer is carefully transferred to a new sterile tube.…”

“…A recent study even compared the Streck tubes with ImproGene tubes and demonstrated the superiority of ImproGene tubes over Streck tubes 29 . Plasma separation from the blood by centrifugation occurs at 22°C at 1600 × g for 10 min.…”

“…Alternatively, the plasma fraction is isolated within 4 h after the blood is drawn and collected in the Ethylene‐Diamine‐Tetra‐Acetic acid (EDTA) tube. The advantage of using specific blood collection tubes is that it stabilizes cell‐free DNA for up to 14 days at 4–37°C and ensures that cffDNA in maternal blood remains intact and undiluted with maternal genomic DNA released from unstabilized white blood cells 29 …”