Turn-key multiomics
Implementing successful remote research strategies
Realizing the full potential of remote sampling for multiomics
At-home, decentralized sample collection is a powerful solution for clinical research as it enables the collection of true longitudinal datapoints to picture the dynamic evolution of health markers with a resolution that was not possible previously (see some publications that have illustrated this potential). However, the technique comes with its own challenges which we have solved including:
Operational best practices for ensuring participants/patients follow the protocol in a home setting
Sample preservation and logistics to ensure high-quality data from samples shipped by mail
Laboratory training requirements to ensure proper preanalytical workflows and implementation of new sample types
Methods for cost reduction when analyzing many more samples
Seabright has experience in developing methods and trial designs to ensure a successful and patient-centric implementation of at-home sampling technologies as well as established partnerships with -omics analysis laboratories to optimize cost-per-datapoint and truly realize the potential of longitudinal designs.
Study design and execution
Designing remote studies brings both opportunities and challenges that are sometimes not anticipated by teams who are accustomed to running traditional in person research. Seabright’s scientists have experience conducting remote studies across a range of diseases and exposures with teams at pharma companies, biotech, hospitals and clinics, research institutes, and academic labs. We are happy to help with all or part of the process with service packages ranging from high-level advising to in-depth planning to on the ground execution.
Pilot studies and preliminary data generation
Seabright has established IRB protocols for remote blood collection and stabilization using the Tasso device and homeRNA for nationwide recruitment or targeted geographies and participant groups. Further, we have IRB protocols and facilities for on-site phlebotomy (venous) and capillary blood collection using the Tasso device and homeRNA. We have experience working with researchers and industry partners to run preliminary benchmarking studies at Seabright in advance of larger studies. See our Validations page for more details.
Remote study design
Choosing the longitudinal sampling frequency that suits the research goals and balances participant experience to ensure successful recruitment and retention (e.g., daily for one week, weekly for months, or periodically over the course of years)
Identifying biologically relevant readouts according to the research goals for example blood-based analytes like RNA, DNA, protein, hormones, clinical chemistries, drug metabolites
Identifying complementary readouts in addition to the blood-based measurements such as saliva collection, nasal swabs, air sampling, and digital health readouts
Identifying standardized survey instruments for health history, disease symptoms, and exposures and creating new survey instruments specific to study needs
Considering the needs of different study partners, researchers, participants, and communities—including expertise with community-engaged research
Study prelaunch materials
IRB protocol advising and/or drafting
Developing survey instruments with complex branching logic and using HIPAA compliant platforms
Custom kitting to combine multiple time points, blood-based readouts, other biological fluids/exposome samples in a format that minimizes shipping costs/logistics and simplifies participant experience
Developing recruitment materials such as social media ads, flyers, and study websites
Developing phone scripts, participant email scripts, sampling calendars, and other participant facing materials
Developing internal SOPs and audit-ready documentation
Study execution
Depending on customer preferences and the configuration of the IRB protocol for a given study, Seabright can directly manage the participant interactions including recruiting, consenting, and participant communications or take a more removed approach (such as handling logistics and banking de-identified samples)
Shipping study kits to participants
Receiving samples, accessioning samples, storing samples (e.g., onsite at Seabright at -80 °C)
Working with investigators to select priority samples for analysis, batching these priority samples, preparing sample manifests, and shipping to third parties for analysis (e.g., transcriptomics, microbial analysis, mass spectrometry services run by companies and/or academic research centers)
High-throughput transcriptomics
Seabright has experience working with several RNA sequencing and probe-based targeted gene counting methods (e.g., NanoString/nCounter technology). One of our PhD scientist subject matter experts will meet with you to understand your needs in terms of number of samples, key comparison groups, type of RNA (total RNA, mRNA, miRNA, etc.), and downstream bioinformatics/biostatistics processing to develop an analysis plan that meets your study needs. We will help you consider tradeoffs such as read depth, RNA analysis method, and sample prioritization as you balance your study goals and budget considerations.
We have worked with established RNA sequencing providers to develop validated workflows including RNA extraction, quality control, and downstream processing to ensure high quality data from homeRNA samples. We continue to expand our portfolio of RNA sequencing providers—including working with companies who have developed innovative solutions for multiplexing—to develop cost-effective packages for processing and analysis of homeRNA samples.
Contact us to learn more
A subject matter expert from Seabright can discuss how Seabright’s experience and service capabilities can simplify and ensure success of your remote studies.