Assessment of alternative DNA extraction methods from microsamples of common matrices collected for vector shedding purposes in clinical trials

EBF Open Symposium 2023 -- In the last few years, microsampling is emerging as an alternative to traditional sampling methods. Microsamples are considered to have sample volumes ?50 �L. In nonclinical situations, microsampling allows collection of more samples or an increase in the number of sampling points. This has implications for the 3Rs in those animal studies and yields smaller sample quantities to store and transport. In clinical situations, microsampling can improve compliance to the sampling plan and allow for more sampling points. Microsamplers provide a more convenient experience for the patient, allowing them to sample themselves at home or away from clinical sites. They can be less invasive, cause less discomfort and pain for the patient and often require less technical collection procedures and/or trained staff to take the samples. This simplifies sampling in remote areas and of critical patients. For rare diseases, the clinical trials are often in neonates/newborn/infants, so, as a CRO, we are seeing that more tests are required from smaller sample volumes.