Mitigating Inherent Risks In Global Sample Processing

By Jeff Mayhew, Elizabeth Koury, and Ben Booher

The global demand for specialized sample processing has grown dramatically, with an increasing number of clinical trial protocols calling for services such as PBMC isolation and DNA/RNA extraction. In oncology trials alone, the percentage is nearly 80%.

Despite the rising need, research teams continue to struggle to obtain high-quality laboratory support services to perform sample processing. In particular, PBMC isolations are exacting procedures that demand care and training and must be performed within a very short window of time. Additionally, because samples may be collected thousands of miles from a qualified sample processing center, the risk of shipping sensitive biological specimens across long distances may be unavoidable.

This article discusses solutions to the risks inherent in global sample processing. Knowing these risks and how to mitigate them will enable the consistent processing of high-quality samples in support of global research protocols.