We are currently running multiple analyses on our culture media (to test what the cells were expressing , DNA quantification, etc..). We have aliquotted several for each type of sample and stored them in -20 degrees, however, we are running out of these ones. I have saved the thawed out aliquots in 4 degrees C for about a month now after taking what I need from them for other analysis. Would it be okay still use these ones?
I think it depends on what you're trying to quantify from your culture media. If you're looking to quantify DNA those samples stored at 4C should be fine to use as DNA is very stable. However, if you're looking to isolate RNA for downstream RT-PCR or protein for ELISA from those culture media samples stored at 4C I think they would likely be degraded after about 1 month or at the very least you would risk your results being skewed or inaccurate.
For the best practices, store samples for RNA and protein at -80C. Also, use RNA as quickly as you can because it can degrade with time as it is rather unstable. DNA is rather stable, but is always best to store at at least -20C in my opinion.
Edward Koellhoffer Hi Edward, I am performing ELISAs. Would I be better off thawing out and taking what I need from the aliquot that's currently frozen at -20 then refreezing it for next time? Or would that also compromise the samples?
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