Liquid biopsies have emerged as a powerful tool in modern medicine, enabling non-invasive detection and monitoring of diseases such as cancer. At the forefront of this revolution are the BD PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA Tubes. These tubes play a critical role in collecting and preserving circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) from blood samples. Let’s explore why they are essential and how they impact precision medicine and research.
What is ccfDNA?
Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA), refers to degraded DNA fragments that circulate freely in body fluids such as blood plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. These fragments vary in size, reflecting chromatosome particles (approximately 165 base pairs) and multiples of nucleosomes. Nucleosomes, which are composed of histones and DNA, protect cfDNA from digestion by apoptotic nucleases1.
Why Study ccfDNA?
Through non-Invasive Diagnostics, cfDNA is easily accessible through peripheral blood. It serves as a non-invasive biomarker for various conditions. In cancer diagnostics, cfDNA informs on tumor genetics, burden, progression, and drug resistance2. For pregnant women, analysis of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) provides non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, especially for advanced maternal age3.
In monitoring disease and treatment, elevated cfDNA levels occur in instances of cancer, trauma, sepsis, myocardial infarction, and other ailments. Researchers use cfDNA to monitor cytotoxic cancer therapy efficacy and assess treatment responses. It plays a crucial role in transplant monitoring, detecting graft rejection or infection1.
EPIC-seq, a cutting-edge technique, lets scientists infer gene expression from cfDNA (circulating cell-free DNA). By analyzing cfDNA, researchers gain insights into disease characteristics, classify tissue types, and monitor treatment effectiveness. It’s like decoding a molecular detective story!
ccfDNA holds immense promise for precision medicine, enabling insights into disease mechanisms, personalized treatments, and improved patient outcomes.
The Role of BD PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA Tubes
- Purpose and Design:
- The BD PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA Tube is purpose-built for ccfDNA collection.
- Its design includes a proprietary sample stabilization additive and BD Vacutainer® Hemogard™ technology, ensuring sample integrity.
- ccfDNA Preservation:
- Upon blood collection, the proprietary reagent stabilizes ccfDNA within the closed tube.
- This stabilization extends ccfDNA integrity, allowing for reliable analysis even when samples are transported or stored.
- Applications:
- Cancer Diagnostics: Detecting tumor-specific mutations and monitoring treatment response without invasive procedures.
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Assessing fetal DNA for chromosomal abnormalities, reducing risks to both mother and baby.
- Transplant Monitoring: Detecting graft rejection or infection by analyzing ccfDNA from transplant recipients.
Why BD PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA Tubes Matter
- Safety and Convenience:
- The closed system minimizes exposure risk for healthcare workers during blood collection.
- Hemogard™ technology prevents needlestick injuries, ensuring safety.
- Standardized Workflow:
- Consistent ccfDNA stabilization ensures reliable results across different studies and laboratories.
- Researchers can confidently compare data, advancing scientific understanding.
- High-Quality ccfDNA:
- PAXgene® tubes yield high-quality ccfDNA, critical for downstream analysis.
- Whether studying cancer genetics or fetal health, reliable ccfDNA is essential.
Conclusion
The BD PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA tube stands out as a reliable and innovative solution for researchers seeking to streamline their workflows and enhance the accuracy of their studies. By minimizing pre-analytical variability and preserving sample integrity, this advanced tool empowers scientists to achieve more consistent and reproducible results. Embrace the future of cfDNA research with the ccfDNA research tube and unlock new possibilities in emerging scientific endeavors!
Visit BD’s Cell and Biomarker Preservation website today for more information on the PAXgene® ccfDNA blood collection system: https://www.bdbiosciences.com/en-ca/products/blood-collection?utm_source=labroots&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=clinical-cbp&utm_content=article3
For any questions regarding BD Blood Collection or the PAXgene portfolio, please email cbp-can@bd.com
References:
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). (2018, February 20). BD Launches Circulating Cell-Free DNA Blood Collection Tube for Cancer and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Applications. Retrieved from BD Newsroom.
BD. (2018, February 20). BD Launches Circulating Cell-Free DNA Blood Collection Tube for Cancer and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing Applications. Building Better Healthcare. Retrieved from Building Better Healthcare.
Van Paemel, R., De Koker, A., Caggiano, C., Morlion, A., Mestdagh, P., De Wilde, B., Vandesompele, J., & De Preter, K. (2021). Genome-wide study of the effect of blood collection tubes on the cell-free DNA methylome. Epigenetics, 16(7), 797–807. Taylor & Francis Online. https://doi.org/10.1080/15592294.2020.1827714
Volik, S., Alcaide, M., Morin, R. D., & Collins, C. (2016). Cell-free DNA (cfDNA): Clinical Significance and Utility in Cancer Shaped By Emerging Technologies. Molecular Cancer Research, 14(10), 898–908. American Association for Cancer Research. https://doi.org/10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-16-0044
