What Reference Materials Do – Simply Explained

To make molecular blood tests like liquid biopsy deliver precise results, you need more than modern technology: you also need reliable control samples. These reference materials play a central role in medical diagnostics and research.

What Are Reference Materials?

Reference materials are specially produced samples that labs use to test their analytical methods. They contain precisely defined amounts of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and have a known composition. With them, scientists and diagnostic labs can verify whether their test systems are working correctly.

Why Are They So Important?

In liquid biopsy, extremely small amounts of tumor DNA are measured in blood. To ensure such tests work reliably, they must be checked regularly. Reference materials help with:

  • assessing the accuracy of tests
  • identifying differences between laboratories
  • validating the performance of new testing methods
  • checking how well DNA is extracted and detected

What Makes CEBIO Different?

CEBIO produces reference materials based on human cell lines. Unlike artificially synthesized DNA, this cfDNA mimics natural blood conditions realistically. Our materials are stable, biologically relevant, and extensively tested — so that diagnoses are reliable and traceable.

We develop them in close collaboration with our partner QuoData, which brings long-standing expertise in statistical design and analysis of molecular methods.

Who Uses These Materials?

  • Labs that offer liquid biopsy tests
  • Diagnostic system manufacturers for test development
  • Clinical trial centers for quality assurance
  • Researchers studying new biomarkers

In Summary

Reference materials are hidden helpers behind the scenes — yet essential for the quality of every analysis. They build trust in the technology, make test results comparable, and enable advances in personalized medicine.