Abstract: Compositions and Methods for Stabilizing Circulating Tumor Cells Methods and compositions for stabilizing a biological sample for analysis, comprising the steps of obtaining in a sample collection device a biological sample from a subject, especially blood, the biological sample including at least one circulating tumor cell from the subject. The methods may include a step of contacting the biological sample with a protective agent composition that includes a preservative agent, an optional anticoagulant, and a quenching agent to form a mixture that includes the protective agent composition and the sample.

Abstract: An improved device and system for facilitating polymerase chain reaction including a light source, detector, waveguide, and filters that occupy minimal space and facilitate detection of stationary samples, reduced sample read time, and simultaneous reading of multiple light wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for preserving and processing cell-free nucleic acids located within a blood sample is disclosed, wherein a blood sample containing cell-free nucleic acids is treated to reduce both blood cell lysis and nuclease activity within the blood sample. The treatment of the sample aids in increasing the amount of cell-free nucleic acids that can be identified and tested while maintaining the structure and integrity of the nucleic acids.

Abstract: Assays and methods for detecting resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics including detection of multiple ?-lactamase family specific gene targets by polymerase chain reaction or microarray. One or more kits including primers and/or probes for identification of ?-lactamase genes selected from the group consisting of one or more of the following: MOX-like, FOX-like, ACC-like, ACT/MIR-like, CMY-2-like, DHA-like, CTX-M-14-like, CTX-M-15-like, VIM-like, NDM-like, IMP-like, KPC-like, and OXA-48-like, OXA-51-like, OXA-143-like, OXA-58-like, OXA-23-like, OXA-24/40-like, TEM-like, and SHV-like. A kit may also include one or more primers and/or probes for the identification a non-beta lactamase gene family which confers antibiotic resistance, such as the MCR-1 gene.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter comprises a device to collect and preserve cells comprising of: (1) a collection container comprised of a tube having an open end and a closed end, a closure in the open end of the tube, a vacuum drawn to a predetermined level inside the container; and (2) compounds including an anticoagulant agent and a fixative agent, wherein the compounds are in a sufficient amount to preserve said cells” original morphology and antigenic sites without significant dilution of said cells, and thereby allowing said cells to be directly analyzed by a flow cytometer without further treatment.

Abstract: A method for preserving and processing fetal nucleic acids located within maternal plasma is disclosed, wherein a sample of maternal blood containing fetal nucleic acids is treated to reduce both cell lysis of the maternal blood cells and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and ribonuclease (RNase) activity within the fetal nucleic acids. The treatment of the sample aids in increasing the amount of fetal nucleic acids that can be identified and tested while maintaining the structure and integrity of the fetal nucleic acids.