Are RNAlater Stabilization Solution and RNAlater-ICE Frozen Tissue Transition Solution chemically reactive with oxidizing agents?
RNAlater Stabilization Solution and RNAlater-ICE Frozen Transition Solution are known to react with hypochlorite solutions, such as common bleach. The reaction releases chlorine gas and generates heat. A similar reaction may occur with other oxidizing agents. If you suspect that samples may contain bleach or other oxidizing reagents, we recommend working in a fume hood with adequate protective clothing and equipment.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.
Can I add RNAlater reagent to samples that are already frozen?
A different product, RNAlater-ICE reagent, is used with samples that are already frozen. RNAlater-ICE reagent transitions tissue from a frozen to a non-frozen state. The frozen tissue is simply placed in RNAlater-ICE reagent and left at -20 degrees C overnight. Treated tissues can then be used directly in standard homogenization and isolation protocols and processed like fresh tissue.
RNAlater reagent and RNAlater-ICE reagent provide flexibility for sample collection and storage, and help ensure that high quality RNA is preserved in samples. Both are available in a variety of convenient sizes.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.
Which downstream applications can be used with tissue stored in RNAlater reagent?
Tissue stored in RNAlater reagent is compatible with all commonly used RNA isolation methods, including single reagent isolation products like TRIzol reagent, and all of our Ambion RNA isolation kits. It is also possible to extract both genomic DNA and total protein from samples stored in RNAlater reagent. RNAlater reagent will denature proteins, so it is only compatible with routine protein analyses such as western blotting and 2D gel electrophoresis that do not require native protein.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.