remote dried blood sampling offers a solution to metabolite stabilization

An application note from Biocrates proposes a solution to challenges in remote blood sampling for metabolomics. Researchers compared metabolite stability among different dried blood sampling methods and found an effective approach.

In their recent application note, research scientists and study authors Gordian Adam et al at Biocrates Life Sciences highlighted the efficacy of Mitra^® devices with VAMS^® technology, which utilize volumetric absorptive microsampling for remote, convenient and cost-effective blood sampling.

The biocrates team assessed remote blood sampling devices for their metabolomics studies because, with the advent of home healthcare technologies, there are now several innovative sampling options available for remotely monitoring people's health. One such innovation, the Neoteryx Mitra device by Trajan Scientific and Medical, has emerged as a key solution for remote blood sampling, offering significant benefits for research study participants and research scientists alike.

In this blog, we summarize the findings from the recent application note from Biocrates that compares metabolite stability across different dried blood sampling (DBS) methods, focusing on the Mitra-VAMS device as a promising solution for quantitative metabolomics.

The Challenge of Remote Blood Sampling

Traditionally, blood samples for metabolomic analyses have been collected in clinical settings, requiring skilled professionals and costly logistics to transport samples in a timely manner that keeps the blood samples viable for lab processing. Samples such as liquid plasma, serum, or whole blood require careful handling, often with the use of stabilizing buffers (like K3-EDTA or sodium citrate) and must be kept frozen with dry ice during transport. This method is expensive, logistically demanding, and unsuitable for frequent at-home sample collection, making it impractical for widespread use.

However, the introduction of newer dried blood collection methods presents a game-changing alternative. Devices such as the Mitra device with VAMS technology offer the ability to collect and stabilize blood samples as dried whole blood at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold shipping or dry ice. This capability could overcome a major challenge of remote sampling, making it possible for individuals to collect samples from home and send them to the lab without worrying about the integrity of the samples during transport.

The Study: Stability of Metabolites Using Different Dried Blood Sampling Methods

The application note from Biocrates evaluates the stability of metabolites collected using various dried blood sampling methods, with a particular focus on the Mitra device with VAMS technology (Mitra-VAMS device).

The study was designed to compare the stability of 630 metabolites in samples collected using Mitra-VAMS over a period of 3-7 days at room temperature. The results are significant for understanding the feasibility of home-based blood sampling for metabolomics, as timely and accurate sample transport is essential for reliable results.

1. Mitra-VAMS Device Performance: The Mitra-VAMS device was found to provide excellent stability of metabolites, even during extended periods of transport. This was a critical finding, as traditional liquid samples require stringent conditions for transportation, such as freezing and specialized packaging. With Mitra-VAMS, blood samples remain stable at room temperature, allowing for easy shipping without special requirements.

2. Comparison with Traditional DBS Methods: Traditional dried blood spot (DBS) collection methods, which typically involve placing drops of blood from a finger-stick on filter paper, often suffer from variability in sample volume and potential degradation of certain metabolites over time. In contrast, the Mitra device’s VAMS technology demonstrated consistent sample volume and superior stability and reproducibility of metabolite profiles, which is critical for accurate metabolomics analysis. This makes the Mitra-VAMS device an ideal candidate for quantitative metabolomics in remote, at-home sample collection settings.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of the Mitra-VAMS device is its cost-effectiveness. The need for buffered stabilization, refrigeration, or dry ice is eliminated, making the entire process much more affordable and less complicated. Additionally, the simplicity of the fingerstick blood collection process reduces the need for specialized healthcare providers, allowing patients to collect their own samples with minimal discomfort and effort.

The Importance of Metabolomic Stability

In metabolomics, the stability of metabolites during the sample collection and transport process is crucial.

Metabolites are sensitive compounds that can degrade or undergo chemical changes when exposed to unfavorable conditions, such as heat or prolonged time without stabilization. For metabolomic studies to yield reliable and actionable results, it’s essential to use sampling methods that preserve metabolite integrity.

According to the authors of this study, the Mitra-VAMS device excels in this area. As the study demonstrated, metabolites remained stable over 3-7 days at room temperature, which is ideal for remote sample collection. The ability to collect and ship samples without requiring cold storage opens up significant possibilities for frequent, home-based monitoring of metabolic biomarkers, enabling more personalized, preventive, and predictive healthcare approaches.

The Role of Remote Sampling in the Future of Medicine

The findings from this study underscore the growing importance of remote blood sampling technologies in the era of 4P medicine—the future of healthcare that is predictive, personalized, preventive, and participatory. With the help of devices like the Mitra-VAMS, research study participants and vulnerable patients who cannot easily travel to clinical centers can take a more active role by regularly monitoring key biomarkers from home. This approach aligns with the goals of personalized healthcare, where interventions are tailored to an individual's specific needs, and preventive care, where early detection of disease or metabolic imbalances can lead to timely interventions.

The study also indicates that the Mitra-VAMS device is an important tool in making these goals a reality. By enabling accurate and reliable sample collection at home, healthcare providers can extend the benefits of metabolomics and biomarker analysis to a broader audience, without the need for frequent clinic visits.

Concluding Thoughts Based on the Findings of This Metabolomics Study

The Mitra device with VAMS technology is proving to be a revolutionary tool in the world of remote blood sampling. This application note highlights its ability to stabilize metabolites in dried blood samples, making it a reliable, cost-effective, and convenient solution for at-home blood collection. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, technologies like Mitra-VAMS could play a central role in supporting remote health monitoring, facilitating personalized treatment, and advancing the predictive and preventive models of healthcare.

With its proven stability and ease of use, the Mitra-VAMS device paves the way for more accessible, accurate, and frequent health monitoring—an essential step toward realizing the full potential of remote research studies and home-based healthcare.

This is curated content that summarizes the application note from Biocrates. Read and download the original Application Note from Biocrates to gain further insight into how the Mitra device provides a solution for overcoming the challenges of remote blood sampling. 

For more information about the lab contract services as well as metabolomics collection kits available via Biocrates Life Sciences ag, please visit their laboratory web page, featured here on our Neoteryx website or their company website: biocrates - Quantitative Metabolomics Kits and Services.