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microsampling in omics research

With just a few drops of blood from a finger-stick microsample, scientists can measure a person's unique omics profile to gain insights into human health. Microsampling makes it easier to access quality samples for genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics & transcriptomics.

Explore Microsampling Solutions for RNA & Metabolite Studies

Are you ready to leverage volumetrically precise microsamples to measure thousands of molecules for research?
Check out microsampling resources from our collaborators below...

Introducing GenTegraRNA-NEO for Stable RNA Preservation with Mitra Microsampling Devices

The new GenTegraRNA-NEO is an Active Chemical Protection™ (ACP) technology developed by GenTegra expressly for the Mitra® microsampling device and 96-Autorack™. Mitra devices that are pre-treated with GenTegraRNA-NEO before sampling will keep RNA stable in blood samples for up to 7 days at room temperature. The GenTegraRNA-NEO is for research use only (RUO).

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Metabolon and Trajan Collaborate to Offer Microsampling for Metabolomics Studies

Metabolon validated a method for metabolomic profiling in blood microsamples collected using Trajan’s Neoteryx® Mitra® device based on VAMS® technology. Mitra devices, paired with Metabolon’s Global Discovery Panel, enable precise metabolomic analysis in blood samples acquired remotely from diverse sources and study subjects for research. 

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Promega Provides App Note for Automated RNA Purification on Trajan Microsampling Devices for RNA-based Studies

Researchers at Promega have published an application note demonstrating a method for purifying Total RNA, including miRNA, from whole blood collected on the VAMS® tips of Trajan’s Neoteryx Mitra® devices treated with GenTegraRNA-NEO™ solution using the Promega Maxwell® RSC simplyRNA Blood Kit and Maxwell® RSC Instrument.

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Cellecta Researchers Profile RNA Biomarkers in Dried Blood Microsamples

Using Mitra® microsampling devices that were pre-treated with GenTegraRNA-NEO for RNA stabilization before blood collection, Cellecta researchers analyzed the samples with the DriverMap™ Targeted RNA-Seq Expression Profiling Technology 19K Panel and the DriverMap™ T/B Immune Marker Panel to effectively detect up- and down-regulated genes in blood microsamples.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which scientists or organizations are using volumetric microsampling technology in their omics studies?

Trajan Scientific and Medical is honored that our Neoteryx® microsampling devices from Trajan are being applied in a range of omics studies at top research organizations around the world. They have been used in multi-omics studies led by Dr. Steve Pennington of Atturos and his colleagues in the HIPPOCRATES arthritis project in Europe. In the United States, Dr. Jenny Van Eyk has leveraged our microsampling devices for omics studies at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Dr. Mike Snyder has applied them in his omics studies at Stanford University School of Medicine. These are just a few examples of how researchers are advancing multi-omics studies with our microsampling technologies.

How have microsampling devices with volumetric technology been used in real-world studies?

Our microsampling technologies have been used in many research studies, clinical trials and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) programs around the world. Our Technical Resource Library includes a searchable selection of published literature discussing how and where remote specimen collection and volumetric microsampling was used. Type your analyte of interest in the library's search field to find journal articles, presentations and application notes from third-party experts.

Which analytes have been extracted and validated using volumetric microsampling?

Many analytes have been extracted using our volumetric microsampling technologies, such as the hemaPEN® and the Mitra® device with VAMS®. These technologies have been demonstrated to be compatible with testing schema in published studies. Some of the literature and resources on our website discuss the different analytes that have been extracted using our microsampling devices. Visit our Technical Resource Library and type your analyte of interest in the library's search field to find relevant literature and case examples. 

What are the sample success rates for remote microsampling devices?

Sample success rates will depend on the type of testing performed in a lab. Published validation studies demonstrate that our microsampling devices have precise volumetric sampling capacities, which have been shown to overcome the HCT that is often observed with DBS. Some studies show that the absorptive VAMS® tips on Mitra® devices can absorb homogenous samples with 99% acceptance rates. By following the illustrated instructions and demo videos available with hemaPEN® and Mitra, end-users can reliably collect fixed volume samples that are precise enough for lab analysis.

How does dried capillary blood compare to other blood sources?

Dried blood sampling continues to expand as laboratories adapt their testing techniques and technological advances allow for greater sensitivity and specificity. Published research papers show that dried capillary whole blood microsamples collected in 10, 20, or 30 µL volumes are enough for good extraction and analysis. These samples also yield high-quality data that are often similar to data from venous blood. The literature provides case examples of microsampling in research applications. Visit the Technical Resource Library to review many comparative studies that describe what others have achieved with microsampling in their research.

What steps are needed to implement microsampling technology?

The first step in transitioning from other sampling methods to microsampling is an introductory, initial education phase, which may take about 4 weeks. The next steps involve evaluation and validation. Our Microsampling Team and Technical Director can provide support through all the steps:

Education: The introductory phase 

Evaluation: Extraction, linearity & signal-to-noise studies

Validation: Validating your method

See our Microsampling User Guide for details.

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Mitra Microsampling User Guide-thumbnailMicrosampling User Guide

This technical user guide is designed to get you started with microsampling. The printed guidance from our technical director helps you make initial decisions on best practices for achieving solid analytical validations in your research projects. What microsample volume is needed for your assay? What analyte classes are compatible with microsampling? How do you process microsamples in the lab? Download the guide to find answers to these questions, and more!

Omics Blog Listing

Our website features many omics blogs discussing microsampling research in proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, genomics, and related studies. Click the button below to explore all of our omics blogs, gathered together in a single, curated list. 

Microsampling in Proteomics Interview

For this episode of the Microsamplify Podcast, James Rudge, PhD, interviews Stephen Pennington, BSc, PhD, a research scientist with expertise in using mass spectrometry to measure and characterize proteins. We invite you to listen in as Dr. Pennington discusses using microsampling in proteomics and multi-center studies.

Gain Access to the Microsampling Resource Library!

How do others use microsampling in omics research studies? For answers, fill out the form to gain access to our Microsampling Resource Library, where you can find materials by selecting either the resource type, key topic, assay or by typing your topic of interest in the general search field.

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