The protection and stabilization of whole blood at room temperature.

Preservation of biospecimens for biobanking applications traditionally involves freezing while maintaining the integrity of the product throughout multiple freeze-thaw cycles. The protection and stabilization of DNA at room temperature (RT) may eliminate the costs associated with freezer storage and reduce the maintenance costs for biobanks. However, there is a paucity of information describing the yield, purity, and integrity of DNA extracted from biospecimens stored at RT. To evaluate the yield, purity, and integrity of DNA extracted from whole blood samples stored at RT (18°C), low (−20°C), and ultra-low (−80°C) temperatures, whole blood samples from sheep and human subjects were collected, and aliquots were stored at RT (18°C), −20°C, and −80°C. Blood samples at RT were stored utilizing biostabilization technology designed to protect genomic DNA in whole blood. The quantification of the extracted DNA was determined by spectrophotometry, and the integrity was assessed following gel electrophoresis. Sto...