Faecal collection tubes: DNA/RNA Shield

The DNA/RNA Shield™ Fecal Collection Tubes (DX) from Zymo Research are CE-IVD certified specimen collection devices for molecular-based, in vitro diagnostic applications. Tubes are pre-filled with DNA/RNA Shield 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 Tubes (DX)
• CE-IVD certified
• 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

Device specifications	20 x 76 mm screw cap tube prefilled with DNA/RNA Shield (9 ml). Spoon attached to screwcap.
Device storage	RNA: Ambient temperature (4°C-25°C) > 1 month DNA: Ambient temperature (4°C-25°C) > 2 years DNA & RNA: Frozen (< -20°C): Indefinitely
Registration status	CE-IVD certified (R1101-E)
Sample collection	1g or 1mL stool sample
Sample source	Stool, soil, environmental samples

The DNA/RNA Shield™ Fecal Collection Tubes are also available in a Research Use Only format.

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)

Material available to download
DNA/RNA Shield brochure
DNA RNA Shield Fecal Collection Tube (DX) instructions for use
DNA/RNA Shield Fecal Collection Tube (RUO) instructions for use

DNA/RNA Shield citations