Biobanks are the intermediary between donors and research labs to ensure the safe, effective transfer of the biological information held in samples. The number of biobanks is increasing, as is the cost for power to store the samples at the appropriate refrigerated temperature. The current standard for storage is either at -20 or -70 °C. It is costly for biobanks not only to keep these samples cold, but also to house the refrigerators within their laboratories. New methods are being sought to allow storage at room temperature, thus reducing costs as well as being environmentally friendly. Qiagen has launched the QIAsafe DNA Blood Kit to provide easy transport and storage of whole blood at room temperature.
Traditional room temperature collection and storage of blood is accomplished via paper methods. There are currently many card-based methods available to collect and store samples for multiple years. A disadvantage with some card-based methods can be the relatively low yield of DNA available from blood spots. The QIAsafe DNA Blood Kits are the first dry blood storage available on a matrix. The kits stabilise blood at ambient room temperature.
The QIAsafe matrix is a mixture of dissolvable compounds that stabilises DNA at room temperature. The technology is based on anhydrobiosis, a biological mechanism employed by some multicelluar organisms to enable their survival in a dry state for periods over 100 years. The QIAsafe matrix is optimally formulated for ambient temperature shipping and long-term storage of DNA.
Up to 200 µL of blood can be stored in tubes or 48-well plates. When the sample is rehydrated for analysis, higher yields are claimed when compared to traditional room temperature storage methods.
The QIAsafe matrix forms a protective seal around the DNA as it dries, in essence shrink-wrapping the sample in a protective coating. Drying occurs at room temperature without requiring any special equipment. Sample recovery is just a simple rehydration step and the rehydrated samples are ready for immediate use without the need for further purification.
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