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The Importance of Fresh Hematology Samples in Preclinical Research

Did you know that NeoSome offers both hematology and flow cytometry in-house?  If you are experiencing inconsistent data, incomplete data due to compromised samples, and slow turn-a-round times, then NeoSome can help, all hematology samples are run fresh and within 2 hours of collection. 

 

Why Fresh Blood Matters

In preclinical research, accurate and reliable data is paramount. This is particularly true when it comes to hematological studies, where the timely analysis of fresh blood samples can significantly impact the outcome of experiments. Here's why:

1. Preserving Cellular Integrity

  • Cell Lysis: Over time, blood cells begin to degrade. This can lead to cell lysis, where the cell membrane ruptures, releasing cellular contents. This can distort measurements of cell counts, morphology, and other critical parameters.

  • Cellular Activation: Exposure to suboptimal storage conditions can induce cellular activation. This can alter the expression of surface markers, leading to inaccurate flow cytometry results and misinterpretation of immune cell function.

2. Maintaining Biochemical Stability

  • Hemolysis: Hemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells, can release hemoglobin into the plasma. This can interfere with various biochemical assays, such as those measuring electrolytes, glucose, or protein levels.

  • Coagulation: Blood clotting can occur during storage, leading to the formation of fibrin clots. This can hinder the analysis of platelet function and other coagulation parameters.

3. Ensuring Accurate Flow Cytometry

  • Antibody Binding: Fresh blood samples provide optimal conditions for antibody binding to cell surface markers. This ensures accurate and precise flow cytometry analysis, which is essential for studying immune cell populations and their function.

  • Cell Viability: Fresh samples minimize cell death, leading to more reliable measurements of cell viability and apoptosis.

Practical Considerations for Fresh Blood Analysis

  • Timing: Analyze samples as soon as possible after collection to minimize degradation.

  • Storage: If immediate analysis is not feasible, store blood samples at appropriate temperatures (e.g., 4°C) to slow down cellular processes.

  • Anticoagulants: Use appropriate anticoagulants (e.g., EDTA, heparin) to prevent clotting and maintain blood cell integrity.

  • Sample Handling: Handle samples gently to avoid cell damage and hemolysis. Use the appropriate blood collection tube size (volume), to maintain the proper ratio of blood to anticoagulant.  Too much anticoagulant can have a negative impact on sample quality. 


By prioritizing the analysis of fresh blood samples in preclinical research, you can obtain more accurate and reliable hematological data. This can lead to better experimental design, more robust data interpretation, and ultimately, more effective drug development and medical advancements.

How fresh are your samples?

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