Streck Tube Updates for Panorama™ and Signatera™ Sample Collection

Starting June 2024, the Cell-Free DNA BCT tubes also known as Streck tubes will change to a solid tan stopper from the current black/tan mottled stopper. Additionally, the label colour will be updated and the laminate overlay will be removed to improve writing ability.

Streck tubes are used to collect whole blood specimens for the following LifeLabs Genetics tests:

• Panorama™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT)
• Signatera™ (Initial and subsequent) Tests

Beginning June 2024, depending on the inventory levels of current tubes in each province, new Streck tubes will be distributed to patient service centres in ON and BC.

Both the manufacturer Streck and LifeLabs Genetics have validated this change and confirmed there is no impact to the performance of specimen for genetic testing.

There are no changes to collection or processing procedures; only the appearance of the tube has changes. LifeLabs patient service centres and health care practitioners can continue to use the current tubes until the inventory is depleted and switch to the use of new tubes

If there are any questions during collection, contact LifeLabs Genetics at 1-844-363-4357.