Does anyone encounter problem where RNAlater form crystal before sample collection? I know it will form crystal once in contact with air or when it evaporates and it can be dissolved in 37'C. However, due to the study rationale, I need to aliquot small amount of RNAlater into a smaller tube few months in advance, may I know is this crystallize problem will affect samples collected? Also, what if the sample is collected in the tube after crystallization of RNAlater (by participants without noticing it)?
Hi， Clara Chong
Maintain a uniform temperature (>37°C) to the sample？
If impossible, you ought first to dissolve the sample before you use it , if the sample is crystallized？And maybe you also consider the temperature effect to the sample? FYI.
Best,
Fangkun Zhang
Hello Fang-Kun, thanks for the answer.
I don't think my samples are good to be in "warm" environment. That is why I can't think of any solution at the moment. And the samples will be collected at home by participants, so it is quite difficult to ask them to "heat up to 37°C" before they do the sampling.
Hi, Clara,
I mean to collect the samples at home temperature, but to heat it up to 37 °C to disolve when you use it after several months, if there are any precipitates. After that, naturally cool it to home temperature, then to test the sample again. Any you also compare the sample difference under different operating conditions, e.g. , temperature effect.
Best,
Fang-Kun Zhang
Hi Clara, I got the same problem recently. Did you find any solution for this crystalization?
Hi Regiana,
Yes, I do, but is not a perfect solution. I am sealing my tubes at the moment to reduce the oxidation and it seems that the crystallization is improving .
Many thanks! Just one more question. Did you observe a decrease in preservation quality because of crystallization?
For proper use, store it at room temperature (15–25°C), storage of RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent at lower temperatures may cause precipitation. Therefore before using the reagent, redissolve the precipitate by heating to 37°C with agitation.
I also have a problem with RNA later. It is hardly crystallized, I cannot put the specimen into this. I cannot pipette the solution because it stuck into the tip. I warmed up the RNA later solution to 37°C, it didn't help and I also tried to de-crystallize at 65°C for half an hour. Do you think it is expired or what should I do?
Viktoria Szabo During heating it at 37°C, you need to vortex it (for agitation). You can use shaking incubator also, because only heating at 37°C would not help you.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Anatomy
- Tissue