Provided herein are materials and methods relating to cell-free DNA. In particular, the technology relates to methods and materials for the preparation and handling of blood samples for future use in applications involving cell-free DNA.

The invention relates to a mixture of polyoxymethylene dialkyl ethers (POM) having a specific molecular distribution of n as well as its preparation method. The invention also relates to a composition comprising: a) a mixture of polyoxymethylene dialkyl ethers (POM) having a restricted specific molecular distribution b) at least one biocidal agent c) at least one pro-penetrating agent d) at least one dye e) optionally, another additive and water as diluent, It also relates to a non-therapeutic method of preserving and/or embalming a dead human or animal body using the composition, such as the use of this composition for anatomopathological purposes.

A preservative reagent for urine is disclosed that increases the stability of cells, such as tumor cells, in urine for a period of several weeks. The preservative reagent comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethanol, paraformaldehyde (PFA), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and optionally pH stabilizing reagents.

Stabilizing compositions for stabilizing a post-draw, but pre-analysis sample include, a saccharide, at least one heavy metal salt, and a pH from 5.9 to 8.0. The stabilizing compositions may include an aliphatic aldehyde, a buffer, and a preservative. The stabilizing compositions stabilize a sample for analysis. The analysis preformed on the stabilized cell may determine the state of a condition of interest, quantification of absolute cell counts, cellular activity, and qualitative analysis of cell types. Stabilizing a sample means that cells of the sample retain their biophysical properties, including biophysical properties of cell surface markers, for analysis. Preferably, the stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for at least 16 days, and up to 30 days. The stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for up to 180 days.

Stabilizing compositions for stabilizing a post-draw, but pre-analysis sample include, a saccharide, at least one heavy metal salt, and a pH from 5.9 to 8.0. The stabilizing compositions may include an aliphatic aldehyde, a buffer, and a preservative. The stabilizing compositions stabilize a sample for analysis. The analysis preformed on the stabilized cell may determine the state of a condition of interest, quantification of absolute cell counts, cellular activity, and qualitative analysis of cell types. Stabilizing a sample means that cells of the sample retain their biophysical properties, including biophysical properties of cell surface markers, for analysis. Preferably, the stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for at least 16 days, and up to 30 days. The stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for up to 180 days.

A method for processing placental tissue, including steps of: exposing a placenta tissue sample in a weak acid environment to obtain a first placenta tissue semi-finished product; performing a flushing procedure for the first placenta tissue semi-finished product to obtain a second placenta tissue semi-finished product, wherein the flushing procedure includes a first flushing procedure using a neutral buffer, a disinfection procedure using a mixture of the neutral buffer and at least one antibiotic, and a second flushing procedure using the neutral buffer to remove the at least one antibiotic; and making the second placenta tissue semi-finished product dehydrated or frozen in extremely low temperatures to obtain a final placenta tissue product.

A method of treating a biological tissue that enables dry storage of said tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting the biological tissue with a non-aqueous treatment solution comprising a polyhydric alcohol and a C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alcohol and removing a portion of the treatment solution from the solution-treated biological tissue. Also disclosed is biological tissue prepared using the above process and prosthetic devices made with such tissue.

A composition is provided which comprises a fusion protein in an aqueous medium. The fusion protein is able to bind a receptor expressed on a cell, and to kill said cell. The aqueous medium comprises one or more components that enable the treatment of an ex vivo organ, tissue and/or stem cell culture prior to transplantation. The composition is thus useful for the prevention or treatment of an infection caused by a pathogen in an ex vivo organ, tissue and/or stem cell culture.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing sialidase activity and inhibiting bacterial proliferation of one or more bacteria in a platelet product preparation from one or more donors. In general, the method includes contacting the platelet product preparation with an amount of a sialidase inhibitor, to thereby obtain a sialidase inhibitor-treated platelet product preparation. Sialidase activity is reduced and the proliferation of one or more bacteria is inhibited, as compared to a platelet product preparation not subjected to the sialidase inhibitor treatment.

A preservative reagent for urine is disclosed that increases the stability of cells, such as tumor cells, in urine for a period of several weeks. The preservative reagent comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethanol, paraformaldehyde (PFA), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and optionally pH stabilizing reagents.