Effects of sample processing and storage on the integrity of cell-free miRNAs in maternal plasma.

Background: Cell-free fetal miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for fetal abnormalities and/or placental function. Factors affecting the stability of cell-free fetal miRNA samples (type of collection tube and time interval between sampling and analysis) have not previously been reported.

Methods: Blood from pregnant women (n = 12, 18 ± 4 weeks' gestation) was collected into two types of tube (EDTA and RNA BCT) and was stored at different temperatures for up to 72 h.