Improving Bioanalytical Flexibility and Efficiency with Whole Blood Cryopreservation
In bioanalytical research, timelines are tight, sample logistics are complex, and multi-site collaborations are increasingly common. Given the complicated interplay among factors, traditional flow cytometry that requires a 24-hour turnaround presents hurdles.
A novel cryopreservation method developed by WuXi AppTec scientists now allows whole blood to be stored at -80°C while preserving high cell viability across multiple preclinical species for a longer time. This approach supports more flexible, efficient, and scalable workflows for bioanalytical laboratories.
Benefits and considerations for implementing this novel method include:
- Greater Flexibility in Study Timelines
With traditional fresh sample processing, delays in shipment or analysis can compromise data quality. This cryopreservation method allows whole blood samples to be stored for days to weeks without significant loss in major immune cell viability (~90% across multiple species). This enables retrospective analysis without new sample collection, supports comparisons across multiple time points in longitudinal studies, and reduces disruptions caused by shipment delays or scheduling conflicts. - Enhanced Multi-Site Collaboration
Differences in equipment, operators, and SOPs can introduce variability in global studies. Centrifugation-free cryopreservation offers a centralized processing option: samples can be frozen on-site and shipped to a single lab for thawing and analysis. Standardizing processes can help minimize inter-site variability, reduce instrument-to-instrument and analyst-to-analyst differences, and improve data comparability across geographically dispersed teams. - Reduced Need for Fresh Blood Draws
Reanalyzing cryopreserved samples means fewer repeat collections, lowering resource demands and ethical considerations. Leftover samples from a single draw can be used for additional analyses as new markers or questions arise. This helps developers save time and costs associated with repeated blood collection while supporting refinement of animal research in line with the 3Rs. It also allows for exploratory biomarker additions without new sampling. - Scalability for Large Cohorts
Because this cryopreservation method is simple to implement, it can readily support large-scale or multi-site studies where immediate processing of fresh samples is impractical. Stabilizing samples for extended periods reduces the need for same-day analysis and allows researchers to coordinate collections from multiple locations without compromising data quality. This scalability not only benefits large preclinical programs but, with further optimization, could also be adapted for specific clinical research applications where consistent handling and comparability are critical.
Future Directions in Whole Blood Cryopreservation
Future refinement of this cryopreservation method will focus on enhancing cryoprotective formulas to improve stability in rare or activated immune cell subsets and optimizing thawing procedures to minimize post-thaw coagulation and cell damage. Future studies exploring longer-term storage could support cryopreservation for longitudinal research, while integrating it into automated, high-throughput workflows would further improve reproducibility and efficiency.
In parallel, leveraging predictive modeling tools such as machine learning could help identify the optimal combination of storage parameters and recovery conditions, paving the way for more standardized and universally applicable protocols in bioanalytical laboratories.
A Final Word on Cryopreservation
Cryopreserving whole blood for immunophenotyping is more than just a logistical solution—it’s a strategic tool for improving flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in bioanalytical research. This method addresses multiple challenges in modern bioanalysis by enabling high-viability recovery across species, supporting centralized analysis in multi-site studies, and reducing the need for repeated sampling.
As optimization continues, its use has the potential to expand across a wider variety of bioanalytical applications, enabling more collaborative, cost-effective, and reproducible research worldwide.
Learn more about WuXi AppTec’s bioanalytical services or talk to an expert today.
