[BioC] use Combat to adjust for hidden variables without knowing batch effect

[shirley zhang]

I know if the batch effect is known. We can use Combat to adjust for
the batch effect.  However, if the batch effect is unknown, could I
still use Combat or SVA to adjust for some hidden variables? We know
that our blood samples  were NOT
drawn at the same time from individuals, and RNA were NOT extracted at
the same time.

Many thanks,
Shirley