Blood samples were collected in Sarstedt S-Monovette K3 EDTA or BD Vacutainer K3 EDTA tube prior to bowel preparation for bowel colonoscopy (BLITZ study), or prior to large bowel surgery or neoadjuvant therapy (239 CRC cases from the clinical setting). The samples were transported to the laboratory while preserving a cold chain and were centrifuged at 2000–2500× g for 10 min, aliquoted and stored at −80°C until further use. Details on the SOPs have also been described previously.19 (link)