️2: Tube Matters: How Additives Shape Cell-Free DNA Stability

In this episode of Base by Base, we delve into a pivotal study examining how different blood collection tube additives—EDTA, citrate, heparin, and serum—affect the integrity of cell-free DNA (cfDNA). The research highlights that EDTA-plasma offers superior preservation of cfDNA due to its effective inhibition of DNase activity, resulting in minimal degradation. Conversely, heparin-plasma and serum samples exhibit higher DNase activity, leading to significant cfDNA degradation, which can compromise diagnostic accuracy. Citrate-plasma shows intermediate results, indicating partial DNase inhibition. These findings underscore the critical importance of selecting appropriate anticoagulants in cfDNA-based diagnostics, such as liquid biopsies and non-invasive prenatal testing. Join us as we explore the implications of pre-analytical variables on cfDNA analysis and their impact on clinical outcomes.