For RNA protection and sample storage, tissue samples are submerged in an appropriate volume of RNAprotect Tissue Reagent immediately after harvesting. RNAprotect Tissue Tubes provide premeasured volumes of RNAprotect Tissue Reagent in reclosable tubes for convenient handling and sample storage. The reagent preserves RNA for up to 1 day at 37°C, 7 days at 18–25°C, or 4 weeks at 2–8°C, allowing processing, transportation, storage, and shipping of samples without liquid nitrogen or dry ice. Alternatively, the samples can also be placed at –20°C or –80°C for archival storage.
RNAprotect Cell Reagent immediately stabilizes the gene expression profile in cells. With other technologies, it is necessary to wash or process the cells (e.g., trypsin treatment) prior to adding an RNA stabilization reagent. Changes in expression that may occur during the washing or processing steps are eliminated by adding RNAprotect Cell Reagent directly to cells in culture medium or buffer. Instantaneous RNA stabilization with RNAprotect Cell Reagent can also be extended to pelleted cells not in medium or storage solution. The amount of starting material must not exceed 1 x 107 cells.
For bacterial samples, two volumes of RNAprotect Bacteria Reagent are added directly to 1 volume of bacterial culture prior to RNA isolation, providing immediate stabilization of RNA. The stabilization allows time for efficient bacterial lysis using a choice of protocols: enzymatic lysis, mechanical disruption, or a combination of both methods. QIAGEN recommends the TissueLyser for efficient mechanical disruption.