Fast and Convenient Human Immune Profiling of Fresh and Long-Term Stabilized Whole Blood Samples Enabled With CyTOF

Whole blood (WB) analysis within 24 hours of collection is crucial for monitoring clinical efficacy of therapies. WB collection and cytometric analysis are often performed at different sites, leading to significant delays. Fixation of WB with stabilizer reagents can overcome these challenges. However, not all antibody panels are compatible with these reagents. A high-parameter CyTOF^® panel was created to be compatible with commercial WB stabilizers to enable fast and convenient human immune profiling.

The CyTOF panel contains 20 metal-tagged antibodies to identify over 30 immune cell populations in a single tube of fresh or stabilized WB. There are more than 30 open channels for additional markers. Flexibility of the panel and its workflow was shown using two methods of stabilization, in which WB is either stained followed by freeze storage or WB is first frozen then later stained. To reduce technical variability in staining and acquisition, the CyTOF panel was pooled and frozen as single-use aliquots ahead of time, and samples were barcoded and acquired as a single tube.

The CyTOF panel for broad immune profiling overcomes analysis challenges caused by logistical delays as WB samples can be frozen with various workflows. Furthermore, freezing antibody cocktails is a unique feature of CyTOF flow cytometry, ensuring staining consistency. Thus, CyTOF workflows enable fast and convenient cytometry of WB samples.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.