title: Stabilization of cell-free RNA in blood samples using a new collection device.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  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.
authors: Research and Development Division, Streck Inc., Omaha, NE 68128, USA. rfernando@streck.com
authors: M Rohan
authors: MR
authors: Fernando
authors: Sheila E
authors: SE
authors: Norton
authors: Kristin K
authors: KK
authors: Luna
authors: Joel M
authors: JM
authors: Lechner
authors: Jianbing
authors: J
authors: Qin
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002470:Cell Survival; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D016762:Genes, fos; D005987:Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020871:RNA Stability; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood*; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / Q000235:genetics; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012260:Ribonucleases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; D004492:Edetic Acid; D005987:Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases; D012260:Ribonucleases