Actually we know that PPHM's break through (and related UTSW IP that they hold 100% unencumbered) approach the liquid biopsy by using blood by FIRST isolating micro-vesicles (use PtdSer in the process as a molecule that is ALWAYS present if MV debris floats because PtdSer is in the membrane, fully surrounding the cell and apparently SELDOM present as a loose floating single molecule) and only THEN looks at the target to be identified. This ELIMINATES a LOT of identification problems because a lot of substances that are in the blood will be ignored because they are on their OWN not part of a micro-vesicle. I also think (but I am not sure) that with this technique clearing the blood (removing red blood plates) isn't needed anymore as they don't stand the PtdSer test.
This reduces the statistical chances on error but, IMO more important, do away with the need of centrifuges that would be otherwise needed to layers out all those substances. PtdSer is a clear well define substance for which one can easily always look first.
I think all this Liquid Biopsy based on Exomsomes, Biomarkers and the NEW Avid platform that is about to be announced as part of AVIDs service offerings, turn around the SAME technology: The ABILITY to TARGET almost ALL substances that are coming from CELLS and that are not otherwise floating in the blood anyways.
And that is the BASIS in diagnostics for viral, oncology, infections and other conditions that come with CELL DAMAGE and micro-vesicle release in the blood.
And as we give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, the first to emphasise the importance of Micro-vesicles on this board was goodJohn.