Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) blood collection tubes have a wide range of applications in several important fields.

1. Oncology Field

• Early Cancer Screening:
  Many cancers will release cfDNA into the bloodstream at an early stage. By using cell-free DNA blood collection tubes to collect blood samples, tumor-related genetic variations in them can be detected. For example, in lung cancer, detecting whether there are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in the cfDNA in the blood helps to detect signs of cancer before tumors are found through imaging examinations. This early screening method makes it possible for early detection and treatment of cancer and greatly improves the survival rate of cancer patients.
• Cancer Treatment Monitoring:
  During the process of cancer treatment, such as after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, the number and activity of tumor cells will change, and these changes can be reflected by the dynamic monitoring of cfDNA. Using cell-free DNA blood collection tubes to collect blood samples and analyzing the changes in tumor markers in cfDNA can help timely understand the treatment effect. For example, if the treatment is effective, the concentration of tumor-derived cfDNA in the blood will gradually decrease; on the contrary, if the concentration of cfDNA continues to increase or new genetic variations appear, it may indicate tumor recurrence or drug resistance.
• Tumor Heterogeneity Research:
  There is genetic heterogeneity within tumor tissues, that is, there are differences in the genetic composition among different tumor cells. cfDNA can reflect the overall genetic information of tumors, including genetic variations of different subclones. By collecting samples with cell-free DNA blood collection tubes and studying the genetic profiles of cfDNA, we can gain a deeper understanding of tumor heterogeneity and provide a basis for personalized medicine. For example, for some complex tumors with multiple gene variations, understanding tumor heterogeneity helps to formulate more precise targeted treatment plans.

2. Prenatal Diagnosis Field

• Fetal Chromosome Abnormality Detection:
  During pregnancy, the fetus will release cfDNA into the maternal bloodstream. By using cell-free DNA blood collection tubes to collect blood samples from pregnant women and applying non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) technology, numerical abnormalities of fetal chromosomes can be detected, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. This detection method avoids the risks of miscarriage, infection, etc. brought by traditional prenatal diagnosis methods (such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling) and is characterized by being safe and efficient.
• Fetal Monogenic Disease Detection:
  For some monogenic genetic diseases with known pathogenic genes, such as thalassemia and cystic fibrosis, detection can also be carried out by collecting cfDNA from the blood of pregnant women. Cell-free DNA blood collection tubes provide a guarantee for sample collection in these detections, enabling the evaluation of whether the fetus carries pathogenic genes during pregnancy and providing important decision-making basis for families and doctors.

3. Organ Transplantation Field

• Transplant Rejection Monitoring:
  After organ transplantation, the recipient’s immune system may have a rejection reaction to the transplanted organ. During this process, cells of the transplanted organ will be damaged and release cfDNA into the bloodstream. By using cell-free DNA blood collection tubes to collect blood samples and detecting the level of donor-derived cfDNA in them, it can be used as a new method for monitoring transplant rejection. For example, if the concentration of donor-derived cfDNA increases, it may indicate the occurrence of a rejection reaction, and doctors can adjust the immunosuppressive treatment plan accordingly.
• Transplant Organ Function Evaluation:
  Changes in cfDNA can also reflect the functional state of the transplanted organ. For example, after kidney transplantation, by monitoring the kidney cell-derived cfDNA in the blood and combining it with other clinical indicators, the function of the transplanted kidney can be better evaluated. This comprehensive evaluation helps to detect the dysfunction of the transplanted organ at an early stage and take timely intervention measures to prolong the survival time of the transplanted organ.

4. Autoimmune Disease Field

• Disease Diagnosis and Classification:
  In autoimmune diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis), the body’s immune system abnormally attacks its own tissues, resulting in cell damage and the release of cfDNA. By using cell-free DNA blood collection tubes to collect blood samples and detecting the level and characteristics of cfDNA, it can assist in the diagnosis and classification of diseases. For example, there may be differences in the concentration of cfDNA in the blood and the expression of related genes among patients with different types of autoimmune diseases, and these differences help doctors accurately determine the disease type and provide guidance for subsequent treatment.
• Disease Activity Monitoring:
  As the condition of autoimmune diseases changes, the content and properties of cfDNA will also change. Continuous monitoring of the dynamic changes of cfDNA in the blood can be used as an indicator for evaluating the activity of the disease. For example, during the acute stage of the disease, the concentration of cfDNA in the blood may increase. By regularly collecting blood samples (using cell-free DNA blood collection tubes) and analyzing cfDNA, the dosage and types of treatment drugs can be adjusted in a timely manner to control the development of the disease.