Ensuring Integrity in Pre-Analytical and PBMC Workflows

Ensure sample integrity and data reliability with standardized PBMC workflows, expert processing, and globally harmonized logistics.

Protecting sample integrity at every stage

The quality of your clinical data depends on the integrity of your samples from the moment they are collected. Variability in pre-analytical processes – including collection, handling, and processing – can introduce risk and impact downstream analysis.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are particularly sensitive to time, handling conditions, and processing workflows. Maintaining viability and reproducibility requires tight control across every step, from site collection through to laboratory processing and storage.

We work with you to design and deliver standardized pre-analytical and PBMC strategies that ensure consistency across sites and regions. This includes coordinated sampling, controlled processing timelines, and harmonized workflows delivered through a global laboratory network.

By maintaining control at every stage, we help ensure your samples generate reliable, reproducible data that supports confident downstream analysis.

Scientist performing microscopy analysis in laboratory

Delivering the precision your samples demand

Standardized PBMC sampling solutions

Pre-labelled, study-specific sampling kits
High-throughput and semi-automated production
Built-to-stock or region-specific customization
Integrated quality control processes

Rapid and controlled PBMC processing

Isolation within defined time windows (typically within hours of collection)
Standardized workflows to ensure reproducibility
Generation of multiple aliquots per sample
Controlled storage prior to shipment

Global network with harmonized execution

Worldwide laboratory network ensuring uniform processes
Consistent SOPs across all sites
Real-time logistics tracking and sample traceability
Efficient turnaround times across regions

Training, qualification, and site support

On-site and remote training for clinical sites
Standardized onboarding and certification processes
Laboratory qualification and QA audits prior to study start
Ongoing support throughout study execution

Comprehensive pre-analytical and PBMC capabilities

PBMC sampling kits and logistics

We provide tailored sampling solutions, including pre-labeled kits, requisition forms, and region-specific designs, helping ensure consistency and control at the point of collection.

Site-level processing coordination

With coordinated transport from collection sites to processing laboratories – often within hours – we maintain cell integrity and viability across all study locations.

PBMC isolation and processing

We perform standardized PBMC isolation procedures using tightly controlled timelines, generating multiple aliquots to support a range of downstream applications.

Two scientists reviewing cold storage samples A

Cryopreservation and storage

With optimized cryopreservation protocols, including transfer to long-term storage such as liquid nitrogen, we maintain the stability and quality of your samples.

Close up of hands placing label on shipping box

Global logistics and traceability

We manage global sample logistics through real-time tracking systems, ensuring visibility, compliance, and chain-of-custody integrity for your samples across all regions.

Close up of purple gloved hand organising laboratory sample tubes

Quality assurance and compliance

Strict quality standards underpin all pre-analytical workflows, with our pre-processing laboratories operating in line with key accreditation frameworks, including CAP, GCP, GLP, ISO17025/15189.

Harmonized global SOPs for PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, and storage

*Average viability: 99.3% at 4 hours, 97.9% at 24 hours post-collection. Maintained viability after thawing (96.8% and 85.5% depending on conditions).

45+

processing labs in the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia

25+

countries offering PBMC isolation services

2–24

hour sample collection times

≥97%

cell viability across collection and processing workflows*

≥75%

cell recovery post-thawing

Planning your PBMC strategy: key challenges and questions to consider

Successful PBMC studies depend on early planning and the right methodological choices. Key considerations include:

What PBMC methodology best fits your intended outcome and study?
Where do you want to run your study and at what scale?
What data are you looking to generate from your PBMC?

We work with you to address these decisions upfront, supporting study design, site selection, and workflow definition to ensure your PBMC strategy is both practical and scientifically robust.

Download our brochure to explore how our integrated approach gives you the control and visibility you need, from sample collection through to data generation.

Read the brochure

Meeting-The-Challenges-You-Face-With-PBMC_Amethyst

PBMC FAQ

Why are PBMCs typically isolated for clinical research?

What downstream tests can be performed on PBMCs?

What are the typical challenges when collecting PBMCs in clinical trials?

What are the challenges of rapid PBMC isolation?

Rapid PBMC isolation requires tight control of timelines, often within hours of sample collection, to maintain cell viability and recovery. This means processing laboratories must be located close to clinical sites or supported by carefully coordinated logistics.

We address this through a flexible model, either by selecting, training, and qualifying local laboratories within our network or, where appropriate, enabling clinical sites to perform PBMC isolation under standardized protocols. This ensures consistent sample quality while meeting the demands of time-sensitive workflows.

What lead time is needed to qualify a local PBMC processing lab?

Qualifying a new PBMC processing laboratory typically takes between 2 and 6 months, depending on the complexity of the isolation protocol, location, and study requirements. Where laboratories are already part of our established network, qualification timelines can be significantly shorter, allowing faster study start-up while maintaining consistent quality standards.

How do you support the selection of PBMC collection and analysis strategies?

We support you in defining the most appropriate PBMC collection, processing, and downstream analysis strategy based on your study objectives. By combining pre-analytical expertise with specialty testing capabilities, we ensure alignment between sample handling, assay requirements, and data outputs. This integrated approach provides greater control over quality from collection through to result generation, supporting reliable and consistent study outcomes.