homeRNA: A Self-Sampling Kit for the Collection of Peripheral Blood and Stabilization of RNA

Abstract

Gene expression analysis (e.g., targeted gene panels and transcriptomics) from whole blood can elucidate mechanisms of the immune function and aid in the discovery of biomarkers. Conventional venipuncture offers only a small snapshot of our broad immune landscape as immune responses may occur outside of the time and location parameters available for conventional venipuncture. A self-operated method that enables flexible sampling of liquid whole blood coupled with immediate stabilization of cellular RNA is instrumental in facilitating capture and preservation of acute or transient immune fluxes. To this end, we developed homeRNA, a kit for self-collection of peripheral blood (∼0.5 mL) and immediate stabilization of cellular RNA, using the Tasso-SST blood collection device with a specially designed stabilizer tube containing RNAlater. To assess the feasibility of homeRNA for self-collection and stabilization of whole blood RNA, we conducted a pilot study (n = 47 participants) in which we sent homeRNA to participants aged 21−69, located across 10 US states (94% successful blood collections, n = 61/65). Among participants who successfully collected blood, 93% reported no or minimal pain/discomfort using the kit (n = 39/42), and 79% reported very easy/somewhat easy stabilization protocol (n = 33/42). Total RNA yield from the stabilized samples ranged between 0.20 and 5.99 μg (mean = 1.51 μg), and all but one RNA integrity number values were above 7.0 (mean = 8.1), indicating limited RNA degradation. The results from this study demonstrate the self-collection and RNA stabilization of whole blood with homeRNA by participants themselves in their own home.

At-home blood collection and stabilization in high temperature climates using homeRNA

“…S5. All but one of the samples where a RIN was obtained in our 2020 pilot study yielded a RIN ≥7.0; the one sample with a RIN <7 was evaluated to a RIN of 6.8 23 . With regards to the relationship between the outdoor high and RIN in the present study, the three samples with the lowest RIN (RIN of 6.9) correspond to outdoor daily high temperatures ≥34°C; however, four other samples corresponding to outdoor daily high temperatures ≥35°C returned RIN values ≥7.0.…”

“…Copyright 2021 American Chemical Society. 23 ii) Map depicting locations of participants in the small pilot studies conducted in Qatar and the Western and South Central USA. Note, participants in Qatar collected samples themselves in a lab setting.…”

“…In the Doha study, samples were collected in-lab with homeRNA, followed by in-field sample exposure in a hot car to simulate conditions in a courier service. 23 ii) Map depicting locations of participants in the small pilot studies conducted in Qatar and the Western and South Central USA. Note, participants in Qatar collected samples themselves in a lab setting.…”

“…All kit components were placed in a rigid custom design mailer box fabricated via diecutting (The BoxMaker, Inc.). 23 High temperature fluctuations in homeRNA collected samples: a small pilot study in Doha, Qatar Participant recruitment and demographics Healthy adult volunteers (18 years or older) were recruited in Doha, Qatar via word of mouth under a protocol approved by Sidra Medicine Institutional Review Board study number 1609004823. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.…”

“…Details of the stabilizer tube components and design files can be found in Haack, Lim et al . 23 . Prior to assembly of the stabilizer tube, all components were first cleaned via sonication in 70% ethanol (v/v) for 30 min and air dried.…”