For collection of whole blood samples and stabilization of ccfDNA

Performance

PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tubes simplify the collection and processing of whole blood for subsequent purification of  circulating, cell-free DNA (ccfDNA). The tube additive stabilizes blood cells (see "PAXgene Blood ccfDNA stabilization helps prevent hemolysis allowing distinct separation of plasma" and "PAXgene Blood ccfDNA stabilization minimizes hemolysis compared to alternative solutions") and blocks apoptosis (see "PAXgene Blood ccfDNA stabilization helps prevent apoptosis and fragmentation of gDNA").  Consequently, using PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tubes for whole blood collection, storage and transport helps prevent the release of intracellular DNA into plasma (see "PAXgene Blood ccfDNA stabilization helps prevent release of gDNA into plasma"). ccfDNA levels are stable for up to 7 days at room temperature (15–25°C) or up to 24 hours at 35°C, so blood samples can be transported and stored at room temperature to process plasma later (see "PAXgene Blood ccfDNA stabilization prevents release of gDNA into plasma during storage and transport").

Plasma generated from whole blood collected into PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tubes and processed with the QIAsymphony PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Kit or the QIAGEN QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit, yields high-quality ccfDNA for downstream analytical assays, including but not limited to PCR-based assays and next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Principle

The PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tube is a plastic, closed, evacuated tube for the collection, anticoagulation, transport and storage of human whole blood samples and the stabilization of ccfDNA. The tube contains an additive that anticoagulates blood and stabilizes blood cells via a non-crosslinking stabilization solution. This helps prevent the release of intracellular DNA into the plasma and maintains constant ccfDNA levels during sample storage before processing.

Procedure

The PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tube allows collection of 10 ml whole blood into a closed, evacuated system. Using standard venipuncture technique, blood is collected into an evacuated tube that contains 1.5 ml cell stabilization additive, resulting in a ratio of 0.15 ml additive per 1 ml blood. Isolation of ccfDNA from plasma is carried out using the QIAsymphony PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Kit or the QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit.

Applications

ccfDNA purified from plasma generated from whole blood collected into PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tubes can be used in a wide range of downstream applications, including:

• PCR, including digital, multiplex and quantitative real-time PCR
• Pharmacogenomic studies
• SNP genotyping
• Next-generation sequencing