We run Fungal Panel using Molecular PCR Technique. We extract Nuclease Free water in the same way as we extract the sample. This eluted NFW is used as negative control on our PCR Plate for quality assurance. If we need to store this eluted sample for about a week, should we store it in the refrigerator (2-8 C) or Freezer (-20 C)?
Kais Khudhair al Hadrawi
Short-Term Storage (Up to 72 hours):Refrigeration (2-8°C): Store the eluted samples at 2-8°C if testing will be conducted within a few days. Ensure proper sealing to prevent contamination. Freezing (-20°C): If immediate testing is not possible, aliquot the eluted samples and store them at -20°C to preserve nucleic acid integrity. Medium-Term Storage (Up to 1-2 weeks):Freezing (-20°C to -80°C): For longer storage periods, especially if testing will be conducted within a week or two, store the eluted samples at -20°C to -80°C. Properly labeled aliquots can facilitate efficient retrieval. Long-Term Storage (>2 weeks):Ultra-Low Temperature Freezing (-80°C or below): If samples need to be stored for an extended period, store them at ultra-low temperatures (-80°C or below) to maintain nucleic acid stability. Ensure proper storage conditions to prevent freeze-thaw cycles and sample degradation. Transport and Shipping:Dry Ice: If samples need to be transported or shipped to a different location, pack them in insulated containers with dry ice to maintain the required temperature during transit. Preservatives:Nucleic acid stabilizing reagents: Some commercial kits include reagents that stabilize nucleic acids during storage, allowing samples to be stored at higher temperatures for short periods. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper usage. Avoid Repeated Freeze-Thaw Cycles:Minimize the number of freeze-thaw cycles to preserve sample integrity. Aliquot samples into smaller volumes to avoid repeated thawing of the entire sample. Documentation and Tracking:Properly label all samples with unique identifiers, sample information, and storage conditions to facilitate tracking and retrieval.
For eluted samples intended for infectious diseases panels in molecular PCR testing, the best storage method depends on various factors such as the type of sample (e.g., blood, saliva, swab), the stability of the target nucleic acids, and the expected duration of storage. Here are some common storage methods used in molecular PCR testing for infectious diseases:
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