Acceptability and validity of microsampling for serosurveillance in Kenya

We present findings from a study assessing the acceptability, ease of use and validity of two microsampling techniques against venous blood sampling. This was a pilot study nested within a multi-pathogen serosurveillance project.​​​​​​​We set out to compare how well the Mitra™ microsampler and traditional Whatman DBS filter paper compare to gold standard venous blood draws. We assessed the acceptability among study participants and ease of use among sample collectors. Additionally, we aimed to determine the impact of different storage conditions and durations on antibody concentrations for vaccine-preventable diseases, such as, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. Performance of the dried blood samples was compared against plasma derived from venous blood and testing performed using a Luminex multiplex assay.

​Ideal for:

• Healthcare providers

• Researchers

• Population-based survey program officers​​​​​​​

What you will learn

• Acceptability of microsampling techniques compared to venous blood draws

• Impact of different storage conditions on measured antibody concentrations

• Impact of different storage durations on measured antibody concentrations

• Implications for practice

Speakers

Makobu Kimani Post-doctoral clinical epidemiologist, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program

Makobu is a Kenyan trained medical doctor with additional training on epidemiology at PhD level. He has been involved in a multi-site serosurveillance study. Additionally, he is a reviewer on the institutional scientific and ethical review committee. Relevant to this webinar, he was the lead on the field epidemiology aspects of the micro-sampling pilot study.

Rose Ombati Research Officer, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program

Rose is a Research Officer at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program. Her research interest is in the seroepidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases, assessing population immunity to guide vaccination strategies. She conducts the development, optimization, and validation of laboratory assays for various vaccine targets. She holds an MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a BSc in Biomedical Science and Technology.

Moderator

Neil Spooner Director Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions & Chair Patient Centric Sampling Interest Group

Neil is the Co-founder and Chair of the PCSIG. He is also the Founder of Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions, helping companies to integrate biological fluid microsampling, and patient centric sampling and analysis into workflows. He also works with organizations to develop technologies and introduce them to the market. Neil also assists organizations with their understanding of emerging trends in the pharmaceutical industry and bioanalysis. Neil is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire, Editor in Chief of the journal, Bioanalysis and Chair of the Reid International Bioanalytical Forum. He has published over 70 peer reviewed manuscripts and delivered over 50 podium presentations.​​​​​​​

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

OUR SPONSORS

Alturas Analytics provides expert GLP & non-GLP LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS bioanalytical and PK/TK analysis services of small and large molecules in any matrix for discovery through Phase IV clinical trials.

Capitainer: Dried blood spots (DBS) is now quantitative with volumetric control through our microfluidic qDBS technology solution. Precision, accuracy, sample protection and ease of use both at sampling and in the lab are key features for us in all product development.

Charles River Laboratories are a leading drug discovery and development contract research organisation providing a broad spectrum of laboratory and data science support to the Clinical development industries.  This includes bioanalytical chemistry, immunology, biomarker services, immunoassay, genomics, vaccine development and ADME services.  With over 1000 dedicated laboratory colleagues across a global footprint and expertise in traditional and advanced modalities, Charles River Laboratories are well placed to leverage scale and scope to support Clinical programmes carried out anywhere in the world.

Genentech: Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit gene.com.

GSK: We are a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030. Our bold ambitions for patients are reflected in commitments to growth and a step-change in performance. We are a company where outstanding people can thrive.

Inuvi: Through nationwide phlebotomy and sample collection services, flexible health assessments and expert laboratory testing, Inuvi helps to createcertainty in the worlds of research and clinical trials, functional and lifestyle medicine, health and wellbeing, occupational health, and primary care.Every year Inuvi’s network of over 300 independent health practitioners and doctors delivers over 100,000 domiciliary health assessments andphlebotomy visits throughout the UK and Ireland. Through our state-of-the art UKAS accredited medical laboratory in Gloucestershire, Inuvi processes over 1 million blood tests annually. In addition to collecting and testing high volumes of venous blood samples, Inuvi is also a pioneer in capillary (finger-prick) blood testing, offering the largest schedule of UKAS accredited tests using capillary blood.

MSD/Merck: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Q  Solutions is a leading drug discovery and development laboratory services organization providing innovative solutions that encompass broad central laboratory and specialty biomarker services, including genomics, immunoassays, flow cytometry, anatomic pathology, precision medicine assays, vaccine assays, ADME and bioanalytical along with extensive offerings in antibody drug discovery, biomarker discovery, and decentralized clinical trial lab solutions. Through the Decentralized Clinical Trials group, Q  Solutions is at the forefront of patient-centric sampling, offering a variety of self-collection methodologies and is validating multiple assays using micro-samples that are self-collected by study participants.

RedDrop Dx: Next generation blood sampling solutions.

Roche: Doing now what patients need next.

Takeda: We exist to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world. While the science and technology we advance are constantly evolving, our ambition remains. We move science forward, so we can transform more lives.

Tasso, is an emerging healthcare technology company that is transforming the traditional blood collection paradigm with a patient-centric approach. The company’s devices enable simple, convenient, and virtually painless blood collection for users. Tasso technology has the power to bring healthcare anywhere, any time.

VCTC: The VCTC is a full-service UK clinical trial site providing virtual and decentralized clinical trial services.

Veloxity Labs, is a CRO focused on LC-MS bioanalysis. Our company is employee owned and operated, and offers start-up times and turn-around times in days by maintaining 80% capacity.

Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical instruments, consumables, and software, has pioneered innovations in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis serving the life sciences market for more than 60 years. Waters Corporation aligns with PCSIG's mission, supporting collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance pharmaceutical medicines development and elevating healthcare outcomes and decision-making through analytical innovation and precision.

YourBio Health, makers of the TAP® device, was founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2007. TAP® is the world’s first push button collection device. Our technology allows a patient blood sample to be collected from any location without the pain of a fingerstick or need for traditional phlebotomy. We enable the decentralization of clinical trials and access to companies who offer wellness testing to consumers. Our patient-centric device is virtually painless, easy-to-use, and enables the collection of a blood specimen from any setting – clinical or in-home. We eliminate barriers to blood collection.

Patient sampling of capillary blood provides unique biological insights into autoimmune flares

In this webinar, ImYoo will present preliminary data on biological insights derived from their decentralized autoimmune flare study. Specifically, they will highlight cell-specific transcript markers identified through longitudinal sampling of flares in inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis – markers often overlooked in cross-sectional study designs. ImYoo will further explore how its decentralized approach to collecting substantial molecular data enhances patient diversity, compliance, and retention in studies.

Ideal for:

• Discovery and Translational teams at Biopharma & Biotech companies

• AI companies looking to use multiomic data to power target & drug discovery

What you will learn

• Decentralized observational studies

• Single-cell multiomic assays on small volumes of blood

Speakers

Tatyana Dobreva

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, ImYoo

Tatyana originally started her career with hopes of becoming an astronaut, but a health crisis shifted her focus to biology. Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, she was inspired by the crucial role of data in personalized medical treatment. At NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she developed satellite radios, then pursued graduate studies at Caltech, exploring viral engineering and RNA sequencing. Tatyana co-founded ImYoo, leveraging molecular patient data to enhance biotech research. Her journey from aerospace engineering to biotech exemplifies her drive to integrate engineering solutions into health care, aiming to revolutionize medical diagnostics and treatment discovery.

Moderator

Neil Spooner

Director Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions & Chair Patient Centric Sampling Interest Group

Neil is the Co-founder and Chair of the PCSIG. He is also the Founder of Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions, helping companies to integrate biological fluid microsampling, and patient centric sampling and analysis into workflows. He also works with organizations to develop technologies and introduce them to the market. Neil also assists organizations with their understanding of emerging trends in the pharmaceutical industry and bioanalysis. Neil is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire, Editor in Chief of the journal, Bioanalysis and Chair of the Reid International Bioanalytical Forum. He has published over 70 peer reviewed manuscripts and delivered over 50 podium presentations.​​​​​​​

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

OUR SPONSORS

Alturas Analytics provides expert GLP & non-GLP LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS bioanalytical and PK/TK analysis services of small and large molecules in any matrix for discovery through Phase IV clinical trials.

Capitainer: Dried blood spots (DBS) is now quantitative with volumetric control through our microfluidic qDBS technology solution. Precision, accuracy, sample protection and ease of use both at sampling and in the lab are key features for us in all product development.

Charles River Laboratories are a leading drug discovery and development contract research organisation providing a broad spectrum of laboratory and data science support to the Clinical development industries.  This includes bioanalytical chemistry, immunology, biomarker services, immunoassay, genomics, vaccine development and ADME services.  With over 1000 dedicated laboratory colleagues across a global footprint and expertise in traditional and advanced modalities, Charles River Laboratories are well placed to leverage scale and scope to support Clinical programmes carried out anywhere in the world.

Genentech: Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit gene.com.

GSK: We are a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030. Our bold ambitions for patients are reflected in commitments to growth and a step-change in performance. We are a company where outstanding people can thrive.

Inuvi: Through nationwide phlebotomy and sample collection services, flexible health assessments and expert laboratory testing, Inuvi helps to createcertainty in the worlds of research and clinical trials, functional and lifestyle medicine, health and wellbeing, occupational health, and primary care.Every year Inuvi’s network of over 300 independent health practitioners and doctors delivers over 100,000 domiciliary health assessments andphlebotomy visits throughout the UK and Ireland. Through our state-of-the art UKAS accredited medical laboratory in Gloucestershire, Inuvi processes over 1 million blood tests annually. In addition to collecting and testing high volumes of venous blood samples, Inuvi is also a pioneer in capillary (finger-prick) blood testing, offering the largest schedule of UKAS accredited tests using capillary blood.

MSD/Merck: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Q  Solutions is a leading drug discovery and development laboratory services organization providing innovative solutions that encompass broad central laboratory and specialty biomarker services, including genomics, immunoassays, flow cytometry, anatomic pathology, precision medicine assays, vaccine assays, ADME and bioanalytical along with extensive offerings in antibody drug discovery, biomarker discovery, and decentralized clinical trial lab solutions. Through the Decentralized Clinical Trials group, Q  Solutions is at the forefront of patient-centric sampling, offering a variety of self-collection methodologies and is validating multiple assays using micro-samples that are self-collected by study participants.

RedDrop Dx: Next generation blood sampling solutions.

Roche: Doing now what patients need next.

Takeda: We exist to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world. While the science and technology we advance are constantly evolving, our ambition remains. We move science forward, so we can transform more lives.

Tasso, is an emerging healthcare technology company that is transforming the traditional blood collection paradigm with a patient-centric approach. The company’s devices enable simple, convenient, and virtually painless blood collection for users. Tasso technology has the power to bring healthcare anywhere, any time.

VCTC: The VCTC is a full-service UK clinical trial site providing virtual and decentralized clinical trial services

Veloxity Labs, is a CRO focused on LC-MS bioanalysis. Our company is employee owned and operated, and offers start-up times and turn-around times in days by maintaining 80% capacity.

Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical instruments, consumables, and software, has pioneered innovations in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis serving the life sciences market for more than 60 years. Waters Corporation aligns with PCSIG's mission, supporting collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance pharmaceutical medicines development and elevating healthcare outcomes and decision-making through analytical innovation and precision.

YourBio Health, makers of the TAP® device, was founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2007. TAP® is the world’s first push button collection device. Our technology allows a patient blood sample to be collected from any location without the pain of a fingerstick or need for traditional phlebotomy. We enable the decentralization of clinical trials and access to companies who offer wellness testing to consumers. Our patient-centric device is virtually painless, easy-to-use, and enables the collection of a blood specimen from any setting – clinical or in-home. We eliminate barriers to blood collection.

Microsampling to monitor conventional and novel biomarkers for pediatric and adult nephrology patients

A two-part presentation exploring the utility of microsampling devices in nephrology patients; along with the optimization of the microsampling workflow.

To begin, the speakers compare microsampling devices with conventional blood and urine collection methods for the monitoring of conventional (and novel) biomarkers in adults with kidney transplantation and glomerulonephritis, along with a discussion relating to the clinical benefits of microsampling. The conversation then moves to the optimization of the laboratory workflow relating to the monitoring and identification of novel protein biomarkers for chronic kidney disease patients from microsamples using proteomic techniques. This will primarily focus on dried blood spots, but other biofluid microsamples will also be discussed.

Ideal for:

• Clinicians

• Translational scientists

• Patients

• Researchers using human tissue

• Proteomics scientists

What you will learn

• Potential benefits of microsampling in comparison to conventional sampling methods in the nephrology patient population.

• Processing methodology for dried blood spots.

• Comparisons between the varying dried blood spot devices available.

• Identification of biomarkers using microsampling techniques.

Speakers

Kashif Anwari

PhD Candidate (Salama Lab), Renal/General Medicine Registrar, University College London/Royal Free Hospital (London)

Kashif is a renal registrar doctor based in North London. He has also recently started a PhD under Professor Salama in an effort to define remission in patients with glomerulonephritis by granularly studying blood and urine conventional (and novel) biomarkers. When not seeing patients or performing ELISAs, you can usually find Kashif watching a Liverpool FC game, listening to qawalli/hip-hop….or running after his 2 year old.

Hannah Ging

PhD Student, University of Liverpool

Hannah is a first year PhD student at the University of Liverpool, working in both the Centre for Proteome Research and the Institute in the Park (Alder Hey Children’s Hospital). The focus of Hannah’s research is on the use of dried biofluids for proteomic analysis of pediatric CKD patients. Before this, Hannah completed a MSci in Biochemistry at Lancaster University.

Moderator

Neil Spooner

Director Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions & Chair Patient Centric Sampling Interest Group

Neil is the Co-founder and Chair of the PCSIG. He is also the Founder of Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions, helping companies to integrate biological fluid microsampling, and patient centric sampling and analysis into workflows. He also works with organizations to develop technologies and introduce them to the market. Neil also assists organizations with their understanding of emerging trends in the pharmaceutical industry and bioanalysis. Neil is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire, Editor in Chief of the journal, Bioanalysis and Chair of the Reid International Bioanalytical Forum. He has published over 70 peer reviewed manuscripts and delivered over 50 podium presentations.​​​​​​​

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

OUR SPONSORS

OUR SPONSORS

Alturas Analytics provides expert GLP & non-GLP LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS bioanalytical and PK/TK analysis services of small and large molecules in any matrix for discovery through Phase IV clinical trials.

Capitainer: Dried blood spots (DBS) is now quantitative with volumetric control through our microfluidic qDBS technology solution. Precision, accuracy, sample protection and ease of use both at sampling and in the lab are key features for us in all product development.

Charles River Laboratories are a leading drug discovery and development contract research organisation providing a broad spectrum of laboratory and data science support to the Clinical development industries.  This includes bioanalytical chemistry, immunology, biomarker services, immunoassay, genomics, vaccine development and ADME services.  With over 1000 dedicated laboratory colleagues across a global footprint and expertise in traditional and advanced modalities, Charles River Laboratories are well placed to leverage scale and scope to support Clinical programmes carried out anywhere in the world.

Genentech: Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit gene.com.

GSK: We are a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030. Our bold ambitions for patients are reflected in commitments to growth and a step-change in performance. We are a company where outstanding people can thrive.

Inuvi: Through nationwide phlebotomy and sample collection services, flexible health assessments and expert laboratory testing, Inuvi helps to createcertainty in the worlds of research and clinical trials, functional and lifestyle medicine, health and wellbeing, occupational health, and primary care.Every year Inuvi’s network of over 300 independent health practitioners and doctors delivers over 100,000 domiciliary health assessments andphlebotomy visits throughout the UK and Ireland. Through our state-of-the art UKAS accredited medical laboratory in Gloucestershire, Inuvi processes over 1 million blood tests annually. In addition to collecting and testing high volumes of venous blood samples, Inuvi is also a pioneer in capillary (finger-prick) blood testing, offering the largest schedule of UKAS accredited tests using capillary blood.

MSD/Merck: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Q  Solutions is a leading drug discovery and development laboratory services organization providing innovative solutions that encompass broad central laboratory and specialty biomarker services, including genomics, immunoassays, flow cytometry, anatomic pathology, precision medicine assays, vaccine assays, ADME and bioanalytical along with extensive offerings in antibody drug discovery, biomarker discovery, and decentralized clinical trial lab solutions. Through the Decentralized Clinical Trials group, Q  Solutions is at the forefront of patient-centric sampling, offering a variety of self-collection methodologies and is validating multiple assays using micro-samples that are self-collected by study participants.

RedDrop Dx: Next generation blood sampling solutions.

Roche: Doing now what patients need next.

Takeda: We exist to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world. While the science and technology we advance are constantly evolving, our ambition remains. We move science forward, so we can transform more lives.

Tasso, is an emerging healthcare technology company that is transforming the traditional blood collection paradigm with a patient-centric approach. The company’s devices enable simple, convenient, and virtually painless blood collection for users. Tasso technology has the power to bring healthcare anywhere, any time.

The VCTC is a full-service UK clinical trial site providing virtual and decentralised clinical trial services.

Veloxity Labs, is a CRO focused on LC-MS bioanalysis. Our company is employee owned and operated, and offers start-up times and turn-around times in days by maintaining 80% capacity.

Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical instruments, consumables, and software, has pioneered innovations in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis serving the life sciences market for more than 60 years. Waters Corporation aligns with PCSIG's mission, supporting collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance pharmaceutical medicines development and elevating healthcare outcomes and decision-making through analytical innovation and precision.

YourBio Health, makers of the TAP® device, was founded by Flagship Pioneering in 2007. TAP® is the world’s first push button collection device. Our technology allows a patient blood sample to be collected from any location without the pain of a fingerstick or need for traditional phlebotomy. We enable the decentralization of clinical trials and access to companies who offer wellness testing to consumers. Our patient-centric device is virtually painless, easy-to-use, and enables the collection of a blood specimen from any setting – clinical or in-home. We eliminate barriers to blood collection.