Research Ethics Committee from 2015 (Archival gastro-intestinal tissue, blood, saliva and urine collection; REC reference: 18/EE/0069; IRAS project ID: 242639). Ethics was also granted from the parent University (STEMH 909 application). All biofluids were stored in appropriate containers initially in a fridge at 4°C for up to 2 h. Plasma or serum samples were generated according to local protocols. Urine samples were centrifuged at 2200 rpm. All biofluids were then stored at -80°C.
Prior to slide preparation, biofluids samples were left to thaw in the fridge at 4°C. Thirty μL of individual biofluids (plasma, serum, saliva or urine) were pipetted onto naked FisherBrand™ slides for ATR-FTIR spectral analysis. Each slide was labelled with a specific GI (Gastrointestinal number) corresponding to its specific tissue pathological classification (i.e., squamous tissue to adenocarcinoma). All slides were left to dry prior to transportation in wooden slide boxes to the laboratory for spectral analysis. All of the samples were stored in a de-humidified glass container to prevent condensation and physical damage.
Prior to slide preparation, biofluids samples were left to thaw in the fridge at 4°C. Thirty μL of individual biofluids (plasma, serum, saliva or urine) were pipetted onto naked FisherBrand™ slides for ATR-FTIR spectral analysis. Each slide was labelled with a specific GI (Gastrointestinal number) corresponding to its specific tissue pathological classification (i.e., squamous tissue to adenocarcinoma). All slides were left to dry prior to transportation in wooden slide boxes to the laboratory for spectral analysis. All of the samples were stored in a de-humidified glass container to prevent condensation and physical damage.