Sample volume used for DTS panel
To determine the optimal volume needed for preparing of DTS, various amounts (30, 40, 50, and 100 μL) of the serum were dispensed into the bottom of transparent 2 mL screw-cap cryogenic vials. The tubes were left open and allowed to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. The following day, samples were inspected visually for confirmation of desiccation and the tubes were capped. Rehydration of DTS samples was performed by adding distilled water and incubation at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Then, specimens were mixed by gentle tapping without vortexing for complete solubilization of dried serum.
Liquid samples of the same pooled serum were stored at 2-8oC overnight to perform comparative analysis of DTS with the liquid samples.