Sample Collection and Preservation

DNA/RNA Shield reagent stabilizes nucleic acids in any biological sample. This unique DNA and RNA stabilization solution enables the preservation of the sample's genetic integrity and expression profiles at ambient temperature. Furthermore, it fully inactivates pathogens within the sample, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, and prevents degradation resulting from freeze-thaw cycles and accidental freezer failures.

DNA/RNA Shield can be stored at ambient temperature and is suitable for samples from many different sources like cells, tissues, blood, plasma, serum, saliva, urine, feces, environmental samples, and more. Samples preserved in DNA/RNA Shield are directly compatible with all Zymo Research Purification Kits, and most kits and workflows from Qiagen, Roche, Thermo Fisher, Macherey-Nagel, etc. Additionally, it supports high-throughput automated workflows from Hamilton, Tecan, bioMérieux, PerkinElmer, Eppendorf, Promega, and more. The reagent is applicable for next-generation sequencing, qPCR, and microarrays.

Nucleic acid stability in DNA/RNA Shield:

• RNA: Ambient temperature (4°C - 30°C) at least 1 month
• DNA: Ambient temperature (4°C - 30°C) at least 2 years
• DNA & RNA: Frozen (< -20°C): Indefinitely

Explore Zymo Research's fecal collection kits and devices, designed for the effective collection and analysis of stool samples. These kits are especially valuable in monitoring and studying large populations, such as through viral variant sequencing. They allow stool specimens on various media to be safely stored at room temperature, making them ideal for large-scale epidemiological studies. The reagent in these kits inactivates all infectious agents while preserving the genetic integrity and microbiome profile of the sample.

DNA/RNA Shield Fecal Collection Tubes are specially designed to collect and preserve nucleic acids from stool samples, capturing a microbial snapshot while inactivating viruses to make samples safe for transport. Simply add a spoonful of the specimen to the preservative-filled stool collection tube and shake vigorously for optimal stabilization. The product is also available with glass beads to help facilitate homogenization.

The Bunny Wipe™ fecal sample collector offers a user-friendly way for individuals to collect samples in the privacy of their bathroom. Unlike traditional methods involving collection buckets, cups, or scoops, the Bunny Wipe mimics toilet paper, providing a familiar and comfortable collection experience. Receive more information here.

Zymo's Feces Catcher is a strip of fecal collection paper that fits onto any toilet seat. The ColOff^® device, a disposable plastic sleeve for the toilet seat, facilitates the stool collection in a physiological position (sitting on the toilet seat). Both products are a great complement to other fecal collection tubes and devices.

The DNA/RNA Shield Fecal Collection Kit is a conveniently pouched kit containing all essential components for fecal sample collection and stabilization. It includes a Fecal Collection Tube, Feces Catcher, biohazard bag, gloves, and instructions in multiple languages.

Discover Zymo Research's urine collection kit, designed for the effective collection and stabilization of urine samples. Each kit includes conditioning buffer to preserve cell-free DNA and RNA in urine during transport or storage. Both the urine collection cups and buffer are available individually or as part of a complete kit.

Urine Conditioning Buffer is a stabilizer for DNA and RNA in urine, allowing for storage and transport at ambient temperature without the need for refrigeration or specialized equipment. It can be used with any urine collection device. Beyond stabilizing DNA and RNA, the buffer preserves the urine microbiome profile at the time of collection by inhibiting microbial growth and maintaining nucleic acid integrity. Nucleic acids from urine samples stored in this medium can be directly isolated without the need for reagent removal, making it compatible with most DNA and RNA purification kits.

The DNA/RNA Shield SafeCollect Saliva Collection Kit from Zymo Research is an easy-to-use saliva collection kit designed to stabilize nucleic acids in saliva and sputum samples. DNA/RNA Shield fully inactivates harmful pathogens in the sample and preserves RNA for up to 30 days at room temperature. The SafeCollect design prevents spills of the stabilization reagent during use, making it ideal for at-home self-collection applications.

Saliva collection kits are provided as individually packaged units, each containing a saliva collection device and a tube of DNA/RNA Shield reagent. The collection device is a plastic tube with a funnel screwed onto the top, designed to collect approximately 2mL of saliva. The corresponding tube contains 2mL of reagent to be added to the collected saliva afterward. Each saliva collection device is labeled with safety and usage instructions. Key advantages of these kits include the convenience of direct saliva collection into the tube and the subsequent addition of reagent, which immediately lyses both host and microbial cells, stabilizing nucleic acids in a single step. No further processing is required for saliva collected with these kits, and the devices are compatible with most commercial purification kits, especially those from Zymo Research. Find more information here.

Zymo Research's swab collection kits offer a versatile solution for molecular-based applications, allowing for the collection of various sample types, including from the mouth, nose, throat, and wherever a swab may be deemed appropriate per application. To use these swab collection kits, simply swab the desired sample and break the tip into the kit’s reagent-filled tube. Samples are instantly stabilized and ready for transport or storage.

The Swab Collection Kits come with screw-cap vials pre-filled with 1 mL or 2 mL of DNA/RNA Shield reagent and sterile swabs. Sterile and individually wrapped fiber swabs are also available in quantities of 50 with 20mm and 80mm break points. A key advantage of the swab kits is that the included reagent is able to fully inactivate pathogenic samples (bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic), including difficult-to-lyse microbes and viruses, without requiring extra steps like heat treatment, homogenization, or alcohol sterilization.

For at-home swab collection kits that stabilize nucleic acid content with samples collected via sterile swabs, consider the SafeCollect Swab Kit. Its spill-proof design makes it ideal for self-collection applications.