DNA/RNA Shield fecal collection tubes

The DNA/RNA Shield™ fecal collection tubes from Zymo Research are pre-filled with a reagent that enables ambient temperature shipping, whilst preserving both DNA and RNA and inactivating pathogens within faecal samples. 

Using the scoop attached to the screwcap, faecal samples can be collected directly into the tube pre-filled with DNA/RNA Shield, with no need for reagent removal prior to nucleic acid purification. Samples collected are ready for downstream microbiomic analysis in 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, arrays, PCR and other sensitive applications.

Benefits of using the DNA/RNA Shield fecal collection range
• No reagent removal required prior to nucleic acid purification
• Pre-filled with DNA/RNA Shield
• RNA stable at room temperature for one month
• DNA stable at room temperature for two years
• Scoop attached to screwcap of tube
• Available with/without nylon swab

DNA/RNA Shield maintains the microbial composition after multiple freeze-thaw cycles

High-quality DNA from stool stored in DNA/RNA Shield after up to 10 freeze-thaw cycles. Microbial compostition profiiing via 16S rRNA gene targeted sequencing.

DNA/RNA Shield: complete pathogen inactivation
DNA/RNA Shield has been rigorously tested to ensure its capability to inactive even the toughest of viruses. In an independent study, the virucidal activity was shown to inactivate murine parvovirus¹. DNA/RNA Shield abides by the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines for pathogen inactivation².

DNA/ RNA Shield effectively inactivates pathogens. This includes tough-to-lyse microbes or viruses without the need for additional steps, such as heat-treatment, homogenisation, or alcohol sterilisation. DNA/RNA Shield has been rigorously tested to ensure inactivation of pathogens including:

Bacteria 
B. subtilis, E. faecalis, E. coli, L. fermentum, L. monocytogenes, M. tuberculosis, P. aeruginosa, S. enterica, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, X. fastidiosa

Viruses 
Parvovirus, Chikungunya virus , Dengue virus, Ebola virus, Herpes simplex virus-1, Herpes simplex virus-2, Influenza A, Rhinovirus, MERS-coronavirus, West Nile virus 

Yeast & eukaryotes 
C. albicans , C. neoformans , S. cerevisiae , P. malariae

1. Dr. Thraenhart and Dr. Jursch. Virucidal activity of the nucleic acid preservation product “DNA/RNA Shield™” against the murine parvovirus (MVM) at 20 °C. 
2. Guidance on the inactivation or removal of select agents and toxins for future use. Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Microbiomics & metagenomics portfolio
Cambridge Bioscience offers a comprehensive solution for microbiomic and metagenomic research from collection to analyses. See the full range.

Material available to download
DNA/RNA Shield brochure
DNA RNA Shield Fecal Collection Tube protocol
DNA/RNA Shield Collection Tube w/ Swab protocol

DNA/RNA Shield citations