Time-relevant Blood Sample Collection Using HemaSpot"""""""" Collection of blood samples at relevant time points is critical for chronobiology (circadian rhythm) research and for predicting, diagnosing and treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies demonstrate that survival of at-risk patients is increased up to 5-fold by the simple behavior change of taking blood pressure medications at night time instead of morning. Research to determine mechanisms of this remarkable data is hampered by limited access to time-relevant blood samples due to the requirement of an accessible phlebotomist and travel to a laboratory for venipuncture blood collection. Collection is especially difficult for critical time points such as early morning or bedtime and for patients who are ill, home-bound, elderly, live in remote or rural areas, lack transportation or who cannot take time from work. Spot On Sciences proposes an innovative and revolutionary method using HemaSpot, an easy to use device that enables a blood sample to be self-collected from any location and at any time. Using a finger stick by lancet, two drops of blood are applied to the HemaSpot device and the blood wicks into a pre-cut absorbent paper. The cartridge is then snapped closed and the sample is immediately ready to ship by mail to a central lab. Once the blood is dried by desiccant within the cartridge, the sample is stable at ambient temperature and no refrigeration or cold chain is required. The enclosed cartridge prevents sample contamination and reduces biohazard risk from downstream handling. Spot On Sciences is currently in final development stages of the HemaSpot device with the support of a DARPA SBIR Phase II contract. For this study, we propose to establish procedures to demonstrate effective use of HemaSpot for collection of timed samples throughout a 24 h period for chronobiology research. To detect disease related biomarkers, we will develop and/or transfer existing wet blood diagnostic methods for dried blood spot (DBS) analysis and will demonstrate the training requirements, ease of use and sample analysis for timed blood collections with HemaSpot. This pilot study will establish best-practice procedures for subsequent use in ongoing population studies such as the Hygia study in Spain in which time-relevant biomarkers for cardiovascular disease will be determined. Use of HemaSpot for sample collection can greatly increase access to time-relevant blood samples for medical research and for diagnostic testing to prevent, detect and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Time-relevant Blood Sample Collection Using HemaSpot The time of day that a blood sample is taken is very important because concentrations of disease biomarkers change according to daily circadian rhythms. Our new device, HemaSpot, allows someone to take their own sample from home with a finger stick, adding 2 drops of blood and closing the device and sending the sample by mail to the lab. This simple collection method will make it much easier to get the appropriate samples for medical research and disease diagnosis.
