precision medicine is advancing with microsampling

In recent years, precision medicine has influenced interesting trends in the development of devices for collecting biological fluids for bioanalysis. One important trend is the rise of microsampling, which has spurred such developments as remote and home blood collection.

Microsampling procedures using portable microsampling devices and home sample collection kits do not typically require patients to travel to clinics or labs for blood sampling.

Remote specimen collection is helping to drive precision medicine forward.

Regular specimen collection for patient monitoring is necessary in the management of some diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes. Differences in symptoms may be influenced by variables such as patients’ DNA (hereditary genetic conditions) or their lifestyle and environments. For more effective treatment, medical practitioners need to understand these individual differences.

Here are a few of the many reasons why remote specimen collection and microsampling is believed to make great changes in the future of precision healthcare.

Cost-Effectiveness of Microsampling and Precision Medicine

The rise of precision medicine may lead to a long-term reduction in the costs of many treatments. As medicine gets smarter, money will be allocated toward targeted, high-priority needs. New procedures will do away with much trial and error, with a greater focus on more effective treatment personalized to each individual for improved results. Expect investing interests to increase as biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies develop more advanced interventions.

Improved Specimen Sampling Means Improved Treatments

Precision medicine is aimed at improving the health conditions of patients and extending life expectancy. This is a result of more effective treatments for chronic diseases. Doctors can now do a better job of tracking the history and progress of a patient's condition to determine their genetic makeup and how they respond to treatments over time. Remote microsampling devices can be used by patients to collect blood samples in their home at different time points. The blood microsamples can be analyzed in the lab to help determine if prescribed medications are effective.

Care providers can also use remote microsampling devices for remote specimen collection to track the impact of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as alcohol consumption. Alcohol biomarkers in blood can reveal the level of alcohol intake. This data can be used to determine the best lifestyle interventions or treatment procedures for particular patients.

Microsampling: A critical tool for precision medicine?

Precision medicine is the future of healthcare. However, it cannot be as effective without remote specimen collection with precision microsampling in play. Precise treatment regimens require frequent specimen sampling or blood draws from a patient at different time points throughout their treatment. The most convenient way to do this is to enable patients at home to self-collect their samples using remote microsampling tools.

One microsampling tool available on the market is the hemaPEN^®, a precision DBS microsampling device that collects 4 volumetrically identical capillary samples from a single finger-stick. When the end-user clicks the hemaPEN shut after sampling, the device transfers those 4 samples onto 4 DBS filter papers that are locked inside until lab processing.

Another available microsampling tool is the Mitra^® device based on VAMS^® technology. Like the hemaPEN, this device is portable and minimally invasive.

The Mitra relies on a quick finger-stick with a lancet method. The end-user can absorb a few drops of blood from their fingertip onto the absorbent sponge tips on the end of each microsampler in the device. Mitra devices are available with different tip volumes to fit different projects and budgets, including 10, 20, & 30 µL volume VAMS tips.

The remote microsampling approach helps to ensure the patient’s comfort, while also delivering high-quality samples for reliable analysis in precision medicine. In Europe and the United Kingdom, many practitioners are already using remote specimen collection with these remote microsampling devices for therapeutic drug monitoring of patients with organ transplants or chronic conditions. The difference is already apparent. Learn more here!