Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling: Its Use in Covid-19 Research and Testing

Abstract

COVID-19 led to changes in the way blood samples are collected. As societies were isolated to control viral spread, access to facilities became limited. Remote sample collection with a volumetric microsampling approach, using Mitra® devices based on VAMS® technology, proved to be highly effective. It allowed people to collect high-quality samples at home and post them to a laboratory. This enabled scientists to conduct large serosurveillance studies, with results showing that seroprevalence of COVID-19 was higher than initially expected. Furthermore, remote microsampling studies by several institutions were conducted to measure the relationship between antigen levels and antibody response and duration. VAMS technology was also used in COVID-19 clinical trials. In summary, the independent research reviewed in this paper proved that VAMS is an effective sample collection alternative.

Assessment of a 60-biomarker health surveillance panel (HSP) on whole blood from remote sampling devices by targeted LC/MRM-MS and discovery DIA-MS analysis

“…[35][36][37] Biomarker analysis has primarily been assessed with serum or plasma, where all cellular mass including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets are removed to reduce the complexity of the biofluid. 18 We found that the Mitra device (Neoteryx) which absorbs 10µl 38 when collected correctly through its volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) technology, 39,40 facilitates self-administered blood collection from a finger lancet needle prick with highly reproducible replicate collection, 35,41 as demonstrated with very low coefficients of variation (%CV). The Mitra devices have been shown to be successfully utilized with many conventional diagnostic tests currently ordered by a physician and can be easily adapted for automation.…”

Applications of Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling Technique: A Systematic Critical Review

“…This demonstrated that quantifying antibodies for the detection of COVID-19 from mail-in samples was possible. 43 Furthermore, we would direct the reader to a comprehensive manuscript detailing studies carried out using Mitra for COVID-19 published by Rudge et al 44…”

Capillary Electrophoresis with Interchangeable Cartridges for Versatile and Automated Analyses of Dried Blood Spot Samples

“…The collection of dried blood spots (DBSs), i.e., capillary blood from a finger, toe, or heel prick, has become a practical alternative to the collection of venous blood during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. , The pandemic has also underlined the major advantages of DBS sampling, which benefits from its minimal invasiveness, suitability for remote patient-centric blood sampling, and simple transport to a laboratory. The DBS sampling does not require trained personnel for blood draws not even the cold chain for the shipment; moreover, many analytes exhibit increased stability in dried samples .…”