RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent

RNAlater Stabilization Reagent stabilizes and protects the RNA expression pattern of samples during harvest and storage (see figure "RNAlater Reagent prevents degradation of mRNA in tissues"). Immediate protection with RNAlater technology ensures that downstream analyses truly reflect the expression profile of the intact tissues (see figure "RNAlater TissueProtect Tubes prevent RNA changes in tissues"). Samples can be archived without risk of RNA degradation, even after multiple freeze–thaw cycles. RNeasy purified RNA from RNAlater stabilized samples stored under a wide variety of conditions is ideal for downstream processes such as northern blotting and RT-PCR (see figure "Stable RNA in tissues: different temperatures and freeze–thaw cycles").

Once a biological sample is harvested, its RNA becomes extremely unstable. The innovative, aqueous RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent quickly permeates tissues resulting in immediate stabilization of the RNA and preservation of the RNA expression pattern. Gene induction or down-regulation triggered by sample manipulation is also prevented, allowing accurate analysis of gene expression.

For RNA protection and sample storage, tissue samples are submerged in an appropriate volume of RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent immediately after harvesting. RNAlater TissueProtect Tubes provide premeasured volumes of RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent in reclosable tubes for convenient handling and sample storage. The reagent preserves RNA for up to 1 day at 37°C, 7 days at 18–25°C, or 4 weeks at 2–8°C, allowing processing, transportation, storage, and shipping of samples without liquid nitrogen or dry ice. Alternatively, the samples can also be placed at –20°C or –80°C for archival storage.

Animal and human tissues stabilized in RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent can be efficiently disrupted using QIAGEN instruments for sample disruption, and used with QIAGEN kits for:

• Total RNA purification
• miRNA purification
• mRNA purification