Large scale biobanking of blood — The importance of high density sample processing procedures

We introduce a novel automated sample-processing concept that will be of mandatory importance to proteomics and future clinical research, performing patient studies from resulting blood fractions in various disease areas. Biobank storage of small sample volumes allows for high replicate numbers to be processed and aliquoted, where each sample aliquot can be used for a dedicated clinical analysis and end-point measurement. In order to preserve sample integrity and value over time, the principle of single usage is gaining recognition. We hereby present a 384-format sample tube system for the preservation and archiving of clinical patient samples that will form the basis for future proteomics studies. This high density scaling allows for reproducible aliquoting 70-µL volumes of blood fractions. Blood plasma with EDTA, Li-heparin, and citrate, as anti-coagulants, are fractioned along with the buffy coat and the erythrocyte fraction, in addition to the serum fraction. We demonstrate an automated sample handling for biobanking: samples from patients were processed and aliquoted in both 96- and 384-sample racks by liquid handling robotics and Laboratory Intelligence Management System (LIMS) overview and control. Within this study, the blood samples were analyzed by the Clinical Chemistry department at the Southern University Hospital in Malmo, using standard biomarker assays, quantifying 23 common markers used in everyday healthcare around the world. We were able to prove that the 384-format using an aluminum foil with a thin polymer film coating for sealing, is stable and can reproducibly be processed for automated biobank freezer units. (Less)