The presence of circulating tumour cells (CTC’s) has been shown to be of diagnostic relevance for patients with early and advanced breast cancer (BC). The usefulness of CTC assessments depends upon accurate cell counts and the corresponding analysis of molecular targets.
After venepuncture whole blood degrades over time and blood samples older than 48 hours are no longer suitable for immunophenotypic examination. Addition of TransFix to blood samples at the time of collection has been shown to significantly extend the integrity of cells within the samples.
Case study: Assessment of circulating tumor cells with a novel, filtration-based method, in a phase IIIb multicenter study for postmenopausal, HER2- negative, estrogen receptor-positive, advanced breast cancer patients.
Fasching, et al, ASCO Meeting Abstracts Jun 17, 2013:591.
TransFix stabilised blood samples were used for Circulating Tumour Cell (CTC) analysis in an independent study analysing 111 patients with a type of metastatic breast cancer. In the publication (Fasching, et al, ASCO Meeting Abstracts Jun 17, 2013:591) showed that it was possible to identify 75 patients with circulating tumour cells from blood samples collected in a custom manufactured TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tube. After stabilisation, circulating tumour cells were captured by a novel filtration system and then immunostained for analysis on a fluorescence scanning microscope.
* Cytomark has not independently verified these findings and we recommend that internal validation of the product must be completed by the end user before considering use of the products in a clinical setting.
Features of TransFix
- TransFix is a patented, CE marked stabilisation solution that prevents cellular degradation in human and animal blood for analytical testing purposes.
- TransFix is validated for the stabilisation of whole blood for flow cytometric analysis.
- The active components of TransFix stabilise leucocytes and leucocytic antigens for up to 10 days at sample storage temperatures of between 2-25°C (1) and for 4 days at temperatures between 25-37°C (2).
- Cytomark has demonstrated that the immunophenotypic profile is maintained for up to 10 days, including markers: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD10, CD16, CD19, CD34, CD45, CD56, and MPO.
Benefits of TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes
CE marked TransFix®/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes have been used for the analysis of circulating tumour cells in blood samples. Samples treated with TransFix are preserved for up to 10 days, giving the following advantages:
- More time in which to conduct testing – greater flexibility in the laboratory
- Ensures sample integrity during transportation between clinical sites
- Repeat testing of samples without the need for repeat phlebotomy
- The ability to batch samples for testing.
TransFix/EDTA vacuum blood collection tubes are:
- Packed in foil pouches in a hydrated environment that balances the osmolarity inside and outside the tube, resulting in a long shelf life of unopened pouches.
- Easy to use, just mix by inversion.
Product Information
CE marked TransFix®/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes fit all normal safety needle ports used in hospitals.
| Product Code | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| TVT-03-1 | TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes | 1 x 3ml tubes |
| TVT-03-2 | TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes | 2 x 3ml tubes |
| TVT-03-50 | TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes | 50 x 3ml tubes |
| TVT-09-1 | TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes | 1 x 9ml tubes |
| TVT-09-2 | TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes | 2 x 9ml tubes |
| TVT-09-50 | TransFix/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes | 50 x 9ml tubes |
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