Enhancing storage, transport and affordability of multicolour antibody cocktails for diagnostic flow cytometry: A novel approach

Flow cytometry is used extensively in pathology laboratories for the diagnosis of haematological malignancies and immune disorders. A major barrier to implementation in regional and remote resource-constrained areas is the cost and stability of multicolour antibody cocktails. To improve multicolour cocktail storage stability, we trialled a novel vitrification technique. Reagents were tested across a range of temperatures and storage durations designed to reflect extreme storage conditions in remote tropical climates. The vitrified product compared favourably with existing techniques under refrigerated and room-temperature conditions. Notably, superior stability was observed at moderate heat (40°C) representing ambient tropical conditions. In the extreme heat category (60°C), liquid cocktails failed within 2 hours. Vitrification ensured performance of antibody cocktails after 72 hours of exposure to extreme heat, at a fraction of the cost of similar preparations. This feasibility study indicates that the novel vitrification method described may protect antibody cocktails during storage and transport and warrants further development.

Australian Journal of Medical Science

Australian Journal of Medical Sciences

47

1038-1643

N/A

2

11