I want to isolate DNA and RNA from feline faecal samples in order to determine which pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites...) are present in the samples. The isolation will not be carried out until one week after collection, but immediate freezing is not possible (although 4°C fridge is available). Going through the literature, some recommend the use of RNAlater and some ethanol 95% for sample preservation, depending on which specific pathogen you want to isolate. The isolated DNA and RNA will be sent for NGS. Therefore, if you had to chose only one of both for this purpose, which one would you prefer?
For DNA it would not matter but for RNA, I would definitely say RNAlater will be the better option.
I agree with Abhijeet Singh , RNAlater if you wish to have RNA, DNA is hardy enough.
Thank you all for your replies! I will be using RNAlater then, since it has already been used in the past for faecal samples according to the available bibliography
The original intent of RNALater was to preserve RNA in tissue, but there were many reports over the last decade on use of this reagent towards other sample types (including stool), and even DNA preservation. So yes, its a good choice
Dear Laia-M. Pardinilla
DNA and RNA will be better preserved using something else besides RNAlater or ethanol. Although DNA does not degraded as quickly as RNA, there is no guarantee that DNA preservation is complete. Norgen has a nucleic acid preservative that will permit storage of your feline faecal samples for up to 2 years at RT. Additionally the preserved sample is then compatible with most commercially available DNA and RNA isolation kits and is optimized with Norgen's isolation kits and is compatible with downstream NGS.
Link to preservative: https://norgenbiotek.com/product/stool-nucleic-acid-collection-and-preservation-tubes
Cheers,
JP
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