Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or stabilizing a sample, in which the sample is put into a permeable container, the permeable container having an opening, which is pressed into the sample, then a portion of the sample brought into the permeable container in this way is separated from the rest of the sample, and the container filled with the sample in this way is immersed in fixing and/or stabilizing agents and the sample is fixed and/or stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a biological material, comprising the steps i) providing a biological material, and ii) contacting the biological material with a first non-aqueous composition comprising: (a1) 10 to 90 vol. % methanol, and (a2) at least one additional additive, and (a3) optionally an acid. iii) transferring the biological material into a second composition (B) comprising up to 99 vol. % ethanol as well as to a new composition for preservation of a biological material usable in said method and the biological material resulting from this method, a method for the analysis of a treated biological material, various kits as well as the use of the composition in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and device for collecting and stabilizing a biological sample, particularly a whole blood sample. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of about 5.6 to about 37.5 mM, preferably about 5.6 to about 10.1 mM, EDTA during collection of the sample and to evacuated fluid sample containers having an amount of EDTA contained therein such that, when the sample is collected, the amount achieved is about 5.6 to about 37.5 mM, preferably about 5.6 to about 10.1 mM, EDTA to stabilize the sample.