Once a biological sample is harvested, its RNA becomes extremely unstable. The innovative, aqueous RNAprotect Tissue 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 RNAprotect Tissue Reagent immediately after harvesting. RNAprotect Tissue Tubes provide premeasured volumes of RNAprotect Tissue 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 RNAprotect Tissue Reagent can be efficiently disrupted using QIAGEN instruments for sample disruption, and used with QIAGEN kits for:

• Total RNA purification
• miRNA purification
• mRNA purification