Blood Collection Methods Research Articles

Establishing a Rabbit Blood Bank: An Assessment of Storage Lesion

Introduction: In trauma settings, hemorrhage and its related complications are one of the major causes of mortality. Blood, blood products, and fluid replacement are the mainstay of treatment in such cases. However with storage, the viability and shelf life of stored products start to decline, reducing their quality when administered. This, in turn, necessitates a validated and flexible model that can be tailored to transfusion needs without affecting product quality. In this study, we established a leporine blood banking model that meets established human requirements to support translational resuscitation studies. Crossmatching was performed to assess risk of hemolytic transfusion reaction. To assess the storage lesion, we analyzed hematology and hemostatic function out to 28 days of cold storage. Methods: Juvenile (4-8 months old) male New Zealand White rabbits from Envigo (strain Hsd:Hra NZW (SPF)) (n=11) were anesthetized with their vitals monitored to ensure adequate plane anesthesia. Whole blood and plasma-designated units were collected via direct cardiac exsanguination. Units were collected (n=11) in 100 milliliter (mL) animal blood bags containing 24% CPDA and stored at 4°C upright. Initially, samples (first n=3) were analyzed on days 0 (collection day), 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, and 21. Sampling was then adjusted to days 0, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 21 for the following n=2, and day 28 was also added for the remaining n=6. Complete blood counts (CBC), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and collagen agonist impedance aggregometry (IA) were performed to assess changes over storage duration. Before ROTEM analysis, units were recalcified with 1 M CaCl2 1:100 Vol:Vol to account for the increased citrated concentration. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's test for multiple comparisons. Results: Red blood cell count showed no significant change from baseline mean 3.905 M/uL to 4.157 M/uL over 28 days (mean difference: 0.2523 M/uL, p=0.8379). Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, initially at mean 26.34% and mean 8.755 g/dL respectively, also remained stable (hematocrit: mean difference: 1.01%, p=0.7257; hemoglobin: mean difference: 0.267 g/dL, p=0.9172) with means of 26.34% and 8.488 g/dl on day 28. Platelet count, starting at mean of 228.2 K/μL, finalized at 161.0 M/ μL did not significantly change (mean difference: 67.2 M/μL, p=0.3402). Hemolysis, however, increased significantly from 0.2191% to 1.008% (mean difference: 0.7889, p=0.0333), though all measures remained below 2%. ROTEM INTEM clotting time (CT) and clot formation time (CFT) showed no significant changes from baselines of 188.7 sec to 201.3 sec and 68.0 sec to 179.4 sec respectively (CT: mean difference: 12.57 sec, p=0.3171; CFT: mean difference: 111.4 sec, p=0.2118). INTEM maximum clot firmness (MCF) decreased significantly from 56.86 sec to 25.60 sec (mean difference: 31.26 sec, p=0.001). ROTEM EXTEM CT and CFT exhibited no significant changes from baselines of 76.73 sec and 88.32 sec to 125.5 sec and 586.2 sec respectively (CT: mean difference: 48.77 sec, p=0.2367; CFT: mean difference: 497.9 sec, p=0.3677). EXTEM MCF, like INTEM MCF, decreased significantly from 61.05 sec to 23.10 sec (mean difference: 37.95 sec, p <0.001). IA AUC showed no significant change from baseline 15.73 to 8.99 (mean difference: 6.74, p=0.6488). Conclusion: Our study provides a successful methodology for establishing stable leporine whole blood unit manufacturing and storage. This model can be customized to different transfusion requirements and could be utilized to manufacture components. We plan on expanding our sample size with continuous monitoring for all parameters. Our group will also investigate other available blood collection methods (such as vascular access ports for more frequent unit collections) to refine our model, enhance safe and sustainable production and optimize collection strategies.

Comparison of inferior vena cava puncture under continuous cardiac perfusion with cardiac puncture in blood acquisition of the laboratory mouse.

Obtaining sufficient blood volume from mice significantly facilitates experimental research. This study explored the inferior vena cava puncture under continuous cardiac perfusion (IVCP-UCCP) technique and evaluated its efficiency in comparison with conventional cardiac puncture (CP). In an initial dose-finding study, 50 mice were randomly assigned to one of 10 groups with escalating perfusion volume from 0.5 to 4.5 ml in 0.5-ml increments. The minimum perfusion volume was determined to be 2 ml in collecting whole circulating blood. In the next comparison using the conventional method, 40 mice were randomly assigned to one of two groups denoting different blood collection methods: Group 1: CP, Group 2: IVCP-UCCP. The results showed 1) that the cells and undiluted blood volume collected via IVCP-UCCP was over twofold higher than that by CP (p < 0.001), confirmed by the cell counts and hematoxylin-eosin staining of different tissues slides (p < 0.001); 2) the new technique did not alter the cellular composition or viability, which was verified by routine blood tests and flow cytometry (p > 0.05); 3) the blood collected via the novel technique was diluted 2.1 times: the hemato-biochemical indicator results multiplied by 2.1 were identical with the test results of blood from CP (p > 0.05). Together, the refined blood collection method of IVCP-UCCP completely extracted the limited blood resources in mice, significantly enhanced the utilization of each mouse, and thus offered scientific and ethical benefits. This technique may be also applicable for other small animal models.

A-357 Evaluation of a home kit for lay user collection, centrifugation, and refrigeration of capillary blood specimens

Abstract Background While solutions enabling at-home self-collection of capillary blood samples are maturing, many analytes require blood separation and controlled shipping temperatures for stable analysis in centralized laboratories. Here we present results of a pilot lay user study evaluating usability and specimen quality of at-home blood collection with centrifugation and refrigerated shipping of capillary serum specimens. Methods N=45 consented subjects were mailed kits including supplies for a capillary blood self-collection using a Tasso+™ device, a Labcorp TrueTherm™ reusable shipper containing a temperature tracker, a Labcorp TrueSpin™ battery-powered centrifuge, written instructions, and a usability survey. Subjects independently followed the instructions for blood collection, separation, and thermal protection and returned the kits to Labcorp via overnight shipping. Received kits were evaluated for correct return, volume of blood collected, volume of serum, visual hemolysis, and temperature throughout shipment. Results Of the n=45 consented subjects, 39 subjects returned the kits, one subject unsuccessfully attempted to collect blood two times, and the remaining five subjects did not return the kits. Primary analysis parameters are outlined in Table 1. Conclusions Untrained subjects were able to collect their own capillary blood samples, process them, and ship them using the investigational home collection kits. While kit return can be a challenge with home collection, the vast majority of subjects were able to return a testable sample. Combining blood separation prior to shipment using the Labcorp TrueSpin centrifuge and temperature control with the reusable Labcorp TrueTherm device successfully protected samples from hemolysis. These results indicate that such kits are a promising at-home blood collection method and may increase test accuracy and menu availability for sensitive analytes.

Choice of blood collection methods influences extracellular vesicles counts and miRNA profiling.

Circulating RNAs have been investigated systematically for over 20years, both as constituents of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) or, more recently, non-EV RNA carriers, such as exomeres and supermeres. The high level of variability and low reproducibility rate of EV/extracellular RNA (exRNA) results generated even on the same biofluids promoted several efforts to limit pre-analytical variability by standardizing sample collection and sample preparation, along with instrument validation, setup and calibration. Anticoagulants (ACs) are often chosen based on the initial goal of the study and not necessarily for the later EV and/or exRNA analyses. We show the effects of blood collection on EV size, abundance, and antigenic composition, as well on the miRNAs. Our focus of this work was on the effect of ACs on the number and antigenic composition of circulating EVs and on a set of circulating miRNA species, which were shown to be relevant as disease markers in several cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Results show that while the number of plasma EVs, their relative size, and post-fluorescence labeling profile varied with each AC, their overall antigenic composition, with few exceptions, did not change significantly. However, the number of EVs expressing platelet and platelet-activation markers increased in serum samples. For overall miRNA expression levels, EDTA was a better AC, although this may have been associated with stimulation of cells in the blood collection tube. Citrate and serum rendered better results for a set of miRNAs that were described as circulating markers for Alzheimer's disease, colon, and papillary thyroid cancers.

Relationship between nephrotoxicity and area under the concentration-time curve of vancomycin in critically ill patients: a multicenter retrospective study.

Vancomycin (VAN) is a glycopeptide antibiotic and one of the most commonly used antibiotics for severe infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, higher VAN concentrations have been associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Herein, we aimed to assess the frequency of AKI in different areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values of VAN using a two-point blood collection method, allowing for accurate AUC assessment in critically ill patients. We identified an association between AUC on day 2 and the risk of AKI in intensive care unit patients, suggesting that not only AUCs above 600 µg·h/mL but also those between 500 and 600 µg·h/mL pose a risk for AKI. Therefore, individualized dosing is feasible, with pharmacists being able to optimize VAN doses to attain appropriate targets.

Consistency analysis of two fingertip capillary blood sampling methods for complete blood count

This study was performed to analyze fingertip capillary blood sampling in pediatric patients using microcapillary blood collection tubes and microhematocrit tubes and to compare the blood cell analysis results obtained via these two blood collection methods. Finger capillary blood was collected from 110 outpatients using microcapillary blood collection tubes and microhematocrit tubes and complete blood count analysis was performed with a Sysmex XS-900i hematology analyzer and manual microscopy for blood cell morphology. Paired data was evaluated for agreement and bias using the microhematocrit samples as the reference group and the samples from the microcapillary blood collection tubes as the observation group. The two blood collection methods demonstrated good agreement for measuring red blood cell (RBC) parameters (i.e., RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH and MCHC), wherein the relative bias was > allowable total error (TEa) in 0.91%, 1.82%, 11.82%, 1.82%, 0.91% and 8.18% of the parameter measures, respectively. According to industry requirements, the proportion of samples meeting the acceptable bias level should be > 80%. Additionally, the estimated biases at each medical decision level were within clinically acceptable levels for RBC, Hb, Hct, and MCV. However, the proportion of WBC and PLT counts with relative bias > TEa was 25.45% and 35.45%, respectively. Furthermore, the relative bias of the WBC count at the medical decision level of 0.5 × 109/L and that of the PLT counts at the medical decision levels of 10 × 109/L and 50 × 109/L were clinically significant. Bland–Altman analysis further showed a mean bias of 0.66 × 109/L (95% LoA, − 0.79 to 2.11) for the WBC count and 39 × 109/L (95% LoA, − 46 to 124) for the PLT count from the blood samples collected in the microcapillary blood collection tubes compared with the counts of those collected in the microhematocrit tubes. Neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and PLT counts increased significantly in the microcapillary blood collection tubes compared with those in the microhematocrit tubes, along with an elevated number of instrument false alarms (P < 0.05). The two capillary blood collection devices exhibit performance differences. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the variation in results caused by different blood collection methods.

Comparison of Novel and Traditional Bleeding Techniques in Neonatal and Juvenile Mice.

Blood collection is frequently used for neonatal and juvenile mice in toxicology, developmental, and immunology studies and is often a terminal procedure. However, the use of nonterminal blood collection techniques, including the submandibular and the submental collection techniques described for adult mice, may offer opportunities to reduce animal numbers and refine current methods. The use of the submental technique has not been described for neonatal or juvenile mice. In this study, we compared the submental and submandibular blood collection techniques to determine their suitability for use in neonatal and juvenile mice. Male and female CD1 mice, ages 7, 14, 21, and 28 d, were randomized by sex into submental (n = 16), submandibular (n = 16), or control (n = 8) groups. Each mouse was weighed, bled per its assigned group (or only restrained in the case of control mice), and then decapitated without anesthesia for terminal blood collection. Blood collection volume and corticosterone concentrations were measured. The 2 methods showed significant differences in the volume of blood collected at ages 14 and 28, with the submandibular technique yielding significantly higher volumes. No significant differences were detected in corticosterone levels between the 2 techniques based on age or sex. A subset of mice (n = 8, 2 per age group) were bled via submental or submandibular technique and were evaluated 48 h later for gross and histopathologic evidence of trauma. Seven of the 8 mice showed expected inflammation and healing at the collection sites, with 4 mice having embedded strands of fur in the tissue. These data indicate that the submental blood collection is a viable method for nonterminal blood collection method in neonatal and juvenile mice, especially when smaller amounts of blood are needed.

The Integrated Online Application for Blood Bank and Donor Management System

Blood shortages pose a significant global health challenge, hindering medical interventions and causing preventable deaths. Traditional blood collection methods struggle to keep pace with demand, highlighting the need for a centralized and digital solution. We propose a online Blood Bank and Donor Management System (BBDMS) – a mobile application utilizing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL – to streamline blood donation and transfusion processes.

Urinary markers of pain in children in neonatal intensive care units: a cross-section study

Introduction: Repetitive exposition to pain negatively affects newborns development. Procedural pain in newborn in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) triggers a series of physiological, behavioral and hormonal disorders that may set off the impairment of the neurological development in preterm infants, who undergo long periods of hospitalization at a moment of physiological immaturity and fast brain development. Objective: This study aimed not only to observe the pain score in newborns and infants when undergoing painful procedures in neonatal intensive care units but also to analyse urinary IL-8 and cortisol levels at such stressful moments. Methods: Patients were submitted to venipuncture and to other methods of blood collection. Cortisol and IL-8 levels were measured by immunometric assay and chemiluminescence detection. For the collection of data regarding observation of neonatal pain, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale was used with immediate results. To describe the qualitative variables, absolute and relative frequencies were used. For the quantitative variables with normal distribution, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum were used. Results: A total of 81 patients were included: 47 were submitted to venipuncture and 36 to other methods of blood collection. Significance for cortisol can be seen (p=0.04); however, IL-8 levels, when associated with the pain scale, were not sensitive enough (p=0.11). Conclusion: The results showed that cortisol is a better marker for pain than IL-8, and its accumulation in urine may help the detection and interpretation of pain. Conclusion: Based on this information, nurses can step in to reduce the discomfort brought by painful procedures, and thus highlight humanistic practices in nursing assistance.

Development and validation of a dried blood spots assay for metabolic profiling of ginsenosides using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Ethnopharmacological relevancePanax ginseng C.A. Meyer., a famous and valuable traditional Chinese medicine with thousand years of history for its healthcare and therapeutic effects. It is necessary and meaningful to study the pharmacokinetic behavior of ginsenosides in vivo as they are the most active components. Dried blood spots (DBS) are a mature and advanced blood collection method with meet the needs for the measurement of numerous analytes. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to explore the feasibility on DBS in the metabolic profile analysis of complex herbal products. Materials and methodsAn ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of ginsenosides. The preparation of DBS samples was conducted by spiking the whole blood with analytes to obtain 20 μL of blood spots on Whatman 903 collection card. A punched dish of 10 mm in diameter was extracted with 70 % methanol aqueous solution, digoxin was used as an internal standard. Target compounds were separated on a Waters T3 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) with acetonitrile and water (0.1 % formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. ResultsThe various ginsenosides showed good linearity in the range of 1–2000 ng/mL. The extraction recoveries and matrix effects of the target analytes were above 82.2%. The intra- and inter-batch accuracy and precision were within the limits of ≤15% for all tested concentrations. Moreover, the collected dried blood spot samples could be stably stored at room temperature for 14 days and 4 °C for 1 month without being affected. And it is delightful that the DBS-based analysis is compatible or even superior to the conventional protein precipitation in terms of sensitivity, linearity, and stability. In particular, the target analytes are stable in the DBS sampling under normal storing condition and the sensitivity for some trace metabolites of ginsenosides, such as 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, F1, Rk1, Rg5, etc. increases 3–4 folds as evaluated by LLOQ. ConclusionsThe established method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of ginseng extract in mice, this suggests a more feasible strategy for pharmacokinetic study of traditional and natural medicines both in animal tests and clinical trials.

Pseudohyperkalemia in myotonic dystrophy type 1: A case report

AbstractMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant familial muscular dystrophy caused by abnormal CTG repeat expansion in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The cardinal features of DM1 patients are muscular weakness, myotonia, and arrhythmia. DM1 patients with electrolyte imbalance caused by endocrinological alterations have also been reported. Herein, we report a female patient with DM1 and hyperkalemia, which fluctuated depending on the blood collection methods. We revealed that cold stimulation of red blood cells was associated with hyperkalemia, whereas blood examination immediately after collection showed normal potassium levels. She was, therefore, diagnosed with pseudohyperkalemia. Several previous reports have described DM1 patients with pseudohyperkalemia, similar to ours. Neurologists should be aware that some patients with DM1 may have pseudohyperkalemia. Thus, consider retesting with prompt measurement after blood collection to rule out pseudohyperkalemia when a patient shows hyperkalemia. If confirmed, evaluate for DM1 as a potential differential diagnosis.

Using an Innovative Method for Self-Collection of Capillary Blood for HIV and Syphilis Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the Netherlands; Limburg4zero.

Home-based sampling could create accessible testing opportunities for men who have sex with men (MSM) who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Blood collection is required for the most reliable laboratory results for HIV and syphilis testing. An innovative blood collection method (Tasso+) creates a vacuum and semi-automatically collects larger volumes of blood from the upper arm. This study aimed to assess acceptability and feasibility of this device among PrEP-using MSM and the performance of blood collection. Between August 2022 and January 2023, 47 MSM were recruited during their routine PrEP consultations at a Dutch Centre for Sexual Health. Participants tested the method directly after consultation, and an online questionnaire determined acceptability and feasibility. Blood and residual serum volumes were measured after sampling and after HIV and syphilis testing. Of the participants, 87% had a positive attitude toward use of the device, and 77% would use it again for self-sampling at home. Participants rated the use of the blood collection device as easy (96%). On average, 536 μL whole blood (244 μL serum) was collected. All samples were tested for HIV and syphilis, and most samples had sufficient blood for routine HIV (91%) and syphilis testing (89%). Most samples (85%) had 220 μL residual blood, sufficient for further testing (e.g., confirmation). Blood self-sampling with a method that creates a vacuum from the upper arm is highly acceptable by users and performs well in blood collection for multiple tests. This method has promising potential for use in home-based sexual health care for PrEP-using MSM.

Blood Collection for Autologous Blood-Derived Product Preparation: Technique and Application

Background: In periodontics, interest in use of autologous blood-derived products (ABPs) has increased due to demonstrated safety, enhanced initial healing, and for some applications, superior clinical outcomes. Periodontists commonly place peripheral intravenous catheters for moderate sedation, thus encountering opportunities to utilize ABPs routinely. The purpose of this report is to describe a safe blood collection technique for ABP preparation and define typical blood volume requirements for periodontal procedures. Methods: Five cases requiring various amounts of liquid and membrane-formed platelet-rich fibrin are presented. Case 1 involves treatment of an infrabony periodontal defect. Case 2 illustrates alveolar ridge preservation at a maxillary right second premolar site. Case 3 demonstrates repair of a defect related to nasopalatine duct cyst removal. Cases 4 and 5 illustrate the use of PRF in sinus elevation and root coverage, respectively. Results: Use of PRF in the presented cases added minimal procedural time and expense. Blood samples varied from 20 to 60 ml in volume. There were no complications related to blood collection or use of PRF. Each patient reported minimal discomfort limited to the first few postoperative days. Favorable early healing was observed in each case. Conclusions: The blood collection method described in this report, which is consistent with published standards of practice, necessitates few additional steps and supplies for practitioners already placing peripheral intravenous catheters. Blood volumes necessary for typical procedures in periodontics are safe and well below maximum attainable samples.

Sodium fluoride preserves blood metabolite integrity for biomarker discovery in large-scale, multi-site metabolomics investigations.

Background: Metabolite profiling of blood by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is invaluable to clinical biomarker discovery. To ensure robustness, biomarkers require validation in large cohorts and across multiple centres. However, collection procedures are known to impact on the stability of biofluids that may, in turn, degrade biomarker signals. We trialled three blood collection tubes with the aim of solving technical challenges due to preanalytical variation in blood metabolite levels that are common in cohort studies. Methods: We first investigated global NMR-based metabolite variability between biobanks, including the large-scale UK Biobank and TwinsUK biobank of the general UK population, and more targeted biobanks derived from multicentre clinical trials relating to inflammatory bowel disease. We then compared the blood metabolome of 12 healthy adult volunteers when collected into either sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate, lithium heparin, or serum blood tubes using different pre-processing parameters. Results: Preanalytical variation in the method of blood collection strongly influences metabolite composition within and between biobanks. This variability can largely be attributed to glucose and lactate. In the healthy control cohort, the fluoride oxalate collection tube prevented fluctuation in glucose and lactate levels for 24 hours at either 4 °C or room temperature (20 °C). Conclusions: Blood collection into a fluoride oxalate collection tube appears to preserve the blood metabolome with delayed processing up to 24 hours at 4 °C. This method may be considered as an alternative when rapid processing is not feasible.

The novel in vivo platelet activation marker, soluble CLEC-2

Unlike for anticoagulants, no good monitoring methods exist for antiplatelet agents, and their monitoring is considered unnecessary. In the platelet aggregation test, which is the standard test for platelet function, aggregation is evaluated by adding a platelet activator to platelets in a cuvette. Therefore, it provides information on the maximum potential of platelets to induce aggregation, but not the actual in vivo degree of platelet activation. In vivo platelet activation markers are not widely used because they require a special blood collection method, although some tests are covered by insurance. My colleagues and I identified the platelet activation receptor C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) and found that CLEC-2 is cleaved and released during platelet activation. We established a plasma-soluble CLEC-2 (sCLEC-2) assay system with the aim of using it as a marker of in vivo platelet activation. Elevation of sCLEC-2 has been reported in various thrombotic diseases. The multi-center prospective cohort study CLECSTRO is now underway to investigate the usefulness of sCLEC-2 for diagnosis, typing, and prognostic estimation in acute ischemic stroke.

A quality control procedure for central venous blood sampling based on potassium concentrations

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the extent of agreement between two blood collection methods for electrolytes, central venous blood sampling by the push-pull technique versus venipuncture, and to mitigate errors in blood sampling by a potassium-based quality control procedure. Methods A comparative within-subject study was carried out for adult patients in the intensive care unit. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to estimate concordance, and Bland–Altman analysis and clinically acceptable limits were used to compare the equivalence of the two methods. An in-house checklist was designed to identify errors made by nurses throughout central venous blood sampling by the push-pull technique, the corrective training and quality control procedure were conducted, and the rate of errors, incidence of hemolysis and distribution of potassium concentrations were comparatively analyzed for the quality of central venous blood sampling before and after the quality control procedure. Results All the ICCs of 220 paired blood samples displayed excellent reliability, except for potassium. Most of the electrolyte variables were within the clinically acceptable limits, and the results showed that the potassium concentrations did not seem to sufficiently affect clinical decision-making. A total of 30 nurses accepted 90 observations before and after the quality control procedure, and the results showed that blood exposure and repeated disconnections of the line in the push-pull technique were always the main problems throughout the process of central venous blood sampling. In addition, after improvement, the number of patients with hypokalemia or hyperkalemia tended to decrease, but the difference was not statistically significant. For all of the blood samples, only three push-pull paired samples received hemolysis notice. Conclusions Central venous blood sampling by the push-pull technique could be an acceptable substitute for most electrolytes via venipuncture, but caution should be exercised for potassium-based quality control procedures.

A finger prick collection method for detecting blood biomarkers of neurodegeneration – a pilot study (DROP‐AD)

AbstractBackgroundPlasma biomarkers have proven to indicate developing cerebral pathologies and injury that underpin neurodegenerative disorders in a non‐invasive manner. However, the measurement of certain blood biomarkers requires on‐site sampling with strict, time‐limited and temperature dependant processing protocols. To further facilitate the usefulness of blood biomarkers, methods for remote and/or unsupervised sample collection would greatly increase the utility as a screening and monitoring tool in secondary care and therapeutic trials.This pilot study investigated a novel method to quantify neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) in capillary dry blood spots (DBScapillary) and venous dry blood spots (DBSvenous).MethodsWe included 77 memory clinic participants from ACE Alzheimer Center Barcelona. DBScapillary, DBSvenous, and EDTA plasma as well as neuropsychological measures were obtained from each participant. A subset (n = 23) had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. Capillary whole blood was obtained by a macro lancet needle from the left index finger. A total of 65µL of capillary and venous blood were spotted and dried on Noviplex DBS cards, which were shipped overnight without temperature control or cooling to Gothenburg, Sweden. Samples were extracted from DBScapillary and DBSvenous cards, and NfL, GFAP, p‐tau181, and, in a subset (n = 11), p‐tau217 were measured by single molecular array (Simoa). Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation between DBS and EDTA plasma.ResultsDBScapillary GFAP (r = 0.7180, p&lt;0.0001), and NfL (r = 0.6967, p&lt;0.0001) correlated highly with their counterparts in EDTA plasma. We also demonstrated that DBScapillary p‐tau217 (r = 0.8955, p = 0.0002), but not DBScapillary p‐tau181 (r = 0.0132, p = 0.9447) correlated with the same measures in EDTA plasma, likewise DBSvenous GFAP (r = 0.7614, p&lt;0.0001), NfL (r = 0.7701, p&lt;0.0001), p‐tau217 (r = 0.9625, p&lt;0.0001) and p‐tau181 (r = 0.6619, p&lt;0.0001). Moreover, DBScapillary GFAP and DBSvenous GFAP, NfL and p‐tau181 correlated with MMSE, CDR and amyloid status (all p&lt;0.05).ConclusionThis pilot study demonstrates the potential of remote collection and quantification of GFAP, NfL, p‐tau217 and p‐tau181 without low‐temperature storage/transportation or centrifugation (DBSvenous). Our data also suggests that this may be possible from a simple finger prick collection, including p‐tau217. We speculate that this simple, self‐executable method of blood collection would facilitate regular monitoring of patients with suspected neurological conditions.

Effect of cord blood double collection method on cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices and blood gas analysis.

Umbilical cord blood has been widely used in clinical transplantation. Blood gas analysis of umbilical cord blood is routinely used to evaluate neonatal asphyxia. This study aimed to evaluate an improved umbilical cord blood collection method that does not affect the results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices. Three hundred pregnant women were recruited between December 2019 and August 2022. In total, 270 umbilical cord blood samples were included and randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was defined as the group in which both umbilical cord blood samples for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and blood gas analysis were collected. Group B was defined as the group from which umbilical cord blood was collected for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Group C was defined as that wherein umbilical cord blood was collected only for blood gas analysis. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices were detected in groups A and B, and blood gas analysis was performed in groups A and C. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices were not significantly different between groups A and B. The pH, base excess, and lactic acid values were not significantly different between groups A and C. The cord blood double collection method would not affect the results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-related indices. It is suitable for cord blood collection when preparing for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and blood gas analysis.

Optimization of a rapid method for screening drugs in blood by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

In the recent years, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry has gained popularity in laboratories. This technique has a higher specificity, detects different analytes from a single specimen, measures analytes in distinct matrices, and substantially reduce analytical interference, with respect to immunoassay. The processing and preparation of biological samples are crucial in chromatography. Interferences in blood testing are usually caused by the presence of phospholipids and proteins. The main objective of this study was to improve analytical processes for drug screening by LC-MS/MS using a novel blood sample preparation method based on protein precipitation and removal of phospholipids. An evaluation was performed of a new method for the preparation of blood samples based on protein precipitation and removal of phospholipids by LC-Q-q-LIT. Limit of detection, limit of quantification and measurement range were determined for 56 molecules. The results of 11 cases were compared with those obtained using standard blood collection methods and instruments. The novel blood preparation and testing method based on LC-Q-q-LIT, a more sensitive technique, has demonstrated to yield comparable results to traditional methods. In addition, this new technique reduces turnaround time and costs.

Subclavian Vein Blood Sampling in Conscious Rats.

There are several established methods for obtaining repeated blood samples from rats, with the most commonly employed methods being lateral tail vein sampling without anesthesia and jugular vein sampling with anesthesia. However, most of these methods require assistance and anesthetic equipment and sometimes pose difficulties in terms of blood collection or the poor quality of blood samples. In addition, these methods of blood collection consume significant time and human resources when repeated blood sampling is required for a large number of rats. This study presents a technique for repetitive blood sampling in non-anesthetized rats by a single proficient individual. Highly satisfactory blood samples can be obtained by puncturing the subclavian vein. The method demonstrated an impressive overall success rate of 95%, with a median time of merely 2 min from rat restraint to the completion of blood collection. Furthermore, performing consecutive blood collections within the designated range does not inflict any harm on the rats. This method is worth promoting for blood collection, especially in large-scale pharmacokinetic studies.