Considerations when generating diagnostic samples for ccfDNA analysis

Webinar by Dr. Andrea Ullius
Scientist, Qiagen GmbH

Stabilising ccfDNA – The importance of the pre-analytical treatment of samples

What are the most important considerations?

Room temperature stabilisation to prevent apoptosis and the release of genomic DNA

Apoptosis of white blood cells leads to the release of genomic DNA, which may cause unnecessary background during the detection of ccfDNA. Prevention of apoptosis is important to maximise the yield of ccfDNA from plasma.

Avoiding cross-linking stabilisation

DNA stabilisation by cross-linking renders it unsuitable for analysis and should be avoided.

Avoiding hemolysis

Hemolysis of red blood cells can result in the release of intracellular contents into the plasma, which can affect ccfDNA analysis.

Need of an effective workflow

An effective workflow from the blood draw to the analysis, encompassing effective pre-analytical stabilisation is an important requirement.


Stabilising ccfDNA – The PAXgene® Blood ccfDNA tube and purification kit

  • Part of a streamlined system for collection of whole blood
  • Uses a reagent that stabilises the concentration of ccfDNA in plasma, without impacting downstream assays
  • Uses an additive that anticoagulates blood and and stabilises blood cells using a non-crosslinking solution to prevent apoptosis.
  • Single tube solution for blood collection and analysis.

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About the speaker: Dr. Andrea Ullius

Andrea Ullius majored in molecular biology while studying human biology at the University of Marburg, Germany where she graduated in 2009.  She then completed her PhD thesis in tumor biology research at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University Clinic in Aachen, Germany.  Since 2014, Andrea has been working as a scientist on the product development team at PreAnalytiX, and was involved in the development of the PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tube and QIAsymphony Kit.