Stabilization of gene expression in whole blood: high quality RNA with room temperature handling of human blood samples.

Gene expression profiles from blood samples are being increasingly used to diagnose and monitor disease progression and assess patient responses to treatment. This requires reliable preservation of RNA in samples during collection, transport and storage. The highly dynamic transcription profiles can change rapidly after blood collection, potentially affecting interpretation of gene expression, and ultimately dictate inadequate treatment. Biomatrica has developed a collection device for whole blood, which stabilizes the RNA in blood cells and allows for ambient temperature sample handling and storage. We have also developed a robust RNA purification method that coupled with the RNAgard® Blood Tube provides a complete solution for blood collection, storage and RNA purification. We present data validating higher yields and greater quality of RNA while maintaining a gene expression profile similar to the time of collection. Comparative testing shows that blood in Biomatrica's RNAgard Blood Tube retains high quality RNA for much longer storage periods, and exhibits significantly less transcriptome variability than a leading competitor. Biomatrica's RNA preservation and purification solution can serve as the front end for research and molecular diagnostics and is more effective in delivering accurate gene expression patterns and prove of extreme value for better patient treatment.