I am conducting a project in Chamonix, France which requires the processing of faecal samples to provide a snapshot and quantitative measure of gut flora.
I have a relationship with my hospital lab in the UK but from my reading, the best results seem to come from immediate processing.
Are there any other ways of transporting faecal samples from France to UK that will preserve the initial "snapshot" result?
we try to process fecal samples fresh, or when its not possible (eg awaiting for more samples from our collaborators- to be processed together) freeze them at -80C. Many commercial stabilizing reagents that we tested did not work well, especially for preserving microbial RNA (DNA is much more stable); also we worry about preserving the original profile. The promising "old school" approach is adding PBS/glycerol to the stool sample
My suggestion would be, collect samples and freeze them immediately at -80 degree in France as Alexander mentioned. Then once you are done with sample collection, then transport them using dry ice (it is perfect for a day) then as soon as you arrive in UK, freeze them at -80 degree until you extract the microbial DNA.
Thank you so much for your suggestions. Just trying to liaise with an appropriate university-affiliated lab now.
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