My study will deal with the composition of the gut microbiota of adults from fecal samples. My plan is to collect samples in the morning and bring them to the lab for dna extraction within the day or the next day. They are to be stored in ice during transport then put in the freezer before dna extraction if it's to be done the next day. If it can be done on the day, DNA extraction will be done as soon as I arrive in the lab. If it matters, the kit I'll be using is Mobio's PowerFecal Kit now under Qiagen. Due to budget concerns, I'm planning to forego the addition of RNAlater. Will it greatly affect my sample or it's okay to not include it? Based on what I read, I was planning to add it to my samples just in case I can't extract DNA asap.
Also, another question, what are your ways in transporting fecal samples for dna extraction? Do you use ice packs or gels or dry ice and on an ice box? Thank you!
Hi Abid,
Though recommended to use RNA later for storage and transport of fecal samples, it becomes essential for RNA related experiments considering its instability. For human stool samples we have been using RNA later during transport along with cryo conditions (ice packs), for metagenomic studies and another set without RNAlater for metabolome analyses.
You can use ice packs or dry ice, however proceed with the DNA extraction at the earliest.
-Bhuwan
Hello Abid
Use of Ice packs/gels or dry ice are okay if you can proceed with the extraction of DNA/RNA at the earliest. However , in cases where it is not possible to extract immediately, it is recommended to use RNA later as it eliminates the need to immediately process samples .
Hope it helps
Thank you Mr. Bhaskar and Mr. Phukan for your answers. I appreciate them. I'll discuss it with my adviser too. Thank you again!
Since you are interested in DNA, it should be no problem to skip RNA Later. In our experience, the PureLink Microbiome kit will give you higher yields. Cold packs will be fine since you are not storing the samples for an extended period of time.