DNA/RNA Shield™ quality of nucleic acids

DNA/RNA Shield™ sold by Nordic Biosite keeps nucleic acids stable during transport or storage at ambient temperatures. This eliminates the need for expensive cool-chain logistics arrangements.

The shield effectively lyses cells and inactivates nucleases and infectious agents, such as viruses, and it is compatible with the wide range of various collection and storage devices.

Product Context/Background

The integrity of nucleic acids is crucial to any downstream application. While DNA is generally a stable molecule, RNA is more sensitive for degradation. However stabilization of DNA might increase sensitivity in applications with low sample input amounts at high risk of degradation. A primary example of this is DNA alterations associated with colorectal cancer analyzed in stool samples, where DNA stabilization leads to increased assay sensitivity (1).

Degradation of RNA is on the other hand an important parameter for all researchers working with applications based on this nucleic acid. To achieve reproducible, trustworthy results from quantitative RT-PCR, cDNA library prep for Next-Generation sequencing, microarrays and Northern blots, it is important to use the best RNA purification methods available and prevent RNA degradation.

DNA/RNA Shield ensures the quality of nucleic acids. It also makes special equipment, refrigeration or dry ice unnecessary, at the site of sample collection.

Unique features:

Nordic BioSite’s DNA/RNA Shield solution possesses four particular attributes that together make it superior to other offerings:
1. DNA/RNA stabilization
DNA/RNA Shield is designed to stabilize both DNA and RNA, including small RNA.

At sample collection, all samples can be handled the same way regardless of downstream application. The nucleic acids in the sample are stable for up to 30 days at room temperature (4°C-25°C).

2. Ready lysis buffer
DNA/RNA Shield instantly lyses the cells in the sample (tissues might require additional mechanical homogenization prior to storage). Stored lysed samples are then ready for downstream purification. Samples in DNA/RNA Shield can be added directly to DNA/RNA purification kits. In comparison to other similar products, there is no need for precipitation or reagent removal prior to purification. This also makes DNA/RNA Shield an excellent choice for automation in downstream purification.

DNA/RNA Shield™ is compatible with all DNA and RNA purification kits provided by Nordic BioSite and the vast majority of all commercial kits available.

3: Virus inactivation
DNA/RNA Shield not only effectively inactivates DNases and RNases, but also completely inactivates infectious agents such as viruses. Thereby, it provides additional safeguards for healthcare professionals handling infectious agents and samples from patients in outbreaks across the world.

4: Single shield covers all sample types
In contrast to many other stabilization products, Nordic BioSite DNA/RNA Shield is compatible with most sample types, including cells, tissues, blood, plasma, serum, saliva, urine, feces, soil etc. In addition, the solution can be integrated into nearly any sample collection tube or container that is used in the field for the different sample types.

Benefits summary

Nordic BioSite DNA/RNA Shield delivers a set of powerful user benefits:

• Enables the user to transport and short-term store at ambient temperature
• Preservation of molecule stability and characteristics even under extreme conditions
• Long stable storage/transport window, up to 30 days
• Unified handling procedure for all samples, regardless of application. The nucleic acids in the sample are stable for up to 30 days at room temperature (4°C-25°C)
• Storage at ambient temperature eliminates need for cooling or specialized temperature controlled logistics
• Capability to add stabilized sample direct to very wide range of DNA/RNA purification kits
• Compatibility with automated downstream purification
• High protection for staff and other professionals handling infectious agents and viruses
• Suitable for vast majority of sample types
• Compatibility with most field containers used for sample types