homeRNA: A self-sampling kit for the collection of peripheral blood and stabilization of RNA

Abstract

Gene expression analysis (e.g., targeted small gene panels, transcriptomics) from whole blood can elucidate mechanisms of immune function and aid in the discovery of biomarkers. Conventional in-clinic 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 an 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 that allows for self-collection of peripheral blood (~0.5 mL) and immediate stabilization of cellular RNA, using the Tasso-SST™ blood collection device paired with a specially designed stabilizer tube containing RNAlater™. To assess the usability and feasibility of homeRNA for self-collection and stabilization of whole blood RNA, we conducted a pilot study (n = 41 participants) where we sent homeRNA to participants aged 21-69, located across 10 US states (94% successful blood collections, n = 51). Among participants who successfully collected blood, 91% reported no or minimal pain/discomfort using the kit (n = 35), and 77% reported easy or somewhat easy stabilization protocol. Total RNA yield from the stabilized samples ranged between 0.24 µg and 5.99 µg (mean = 1.65 µg), while RNA Integrity Number (RIN) values were above 7.0 (mean = 7.9), indicating limited RNA degradation. Results from this study demonstrate the self-collection and RNA stabilization of whole blood with homeRNA by participants themselves, in their own home.

High temporal resolution systems profiling reveals distinct patterns of interferon response after Covid-19 mRNA vaccination and SARS-CoV2 infection

“…Another consideration is the availability of solutions for the in-home self-collection of samples. This is the case for the collection of RNA-stabilized blood, although our homegrown method could be improved and interesting solutions are being put forward (25). As we have shown, it is possible to implement the self-collection of samples for serology profiling within a vaccinology study.…”

“…This is the case for the collection of RNA- stabilized blood with our custom method, which could be further improved. Novel solutions are also being put forward that could permit the implementation of these methods at scale (32). Finally, as we have shown, it is possible to implement the self-collection of samples for serology profiling within a vaccinology study.…”

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

“…homeRNA for the collection and stabilization of whole blood cellular RNA Design and assembly of homeRNA The fabrication of the RNA stabilizer tube as an interface to the Tasso-SST™ blood tube has been described previously 23 . Briefly, the RNA stabilizer tube was designed to hold the RNAlater™ stabilization solution and connect to the Tasso-SST™ blood collection tube for remote self-blood collection and RNA stabilization.…”

“…The stabilizer tube was injection molded out of polycarbonate (PC: Makrolon 2407) by Protolabs, Inc (Maple Plain, MN). 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.…”

“…The insert was injection molded out of polycarbonate (PC: Makrolon 2407) by Protolabs, Inc (Maple Plain, MN). The Instructions for Use (IFU) is included in the SI of this manuscript for easy reference (Appendix 1) and is an adaption of the previously reported IFU in the supporting information of Haack, Lim et al 23 . All kit components were placed in a rigid custom design mailer box fabricated via die-cutting (The BoxMaker, Inc.).…”