Safeguarding RNA integrity during shipping and storage is critical for advancing scientific discovery and clinical success.
RNA molecules are inherently unstable and highly susceptible to degradation by ubiquitous ribonucleases (RNases) present in the environment, laboratory surfaces, and even within biological samples themselves. This fragility poses significant challenges for researchers and clinicians aiming to analyze gene expression, develop RNA-based therapeutics, or conduct multiomics studies.
Any compromise in RNA integrity can lead to inaccurate or irreproducible research results, undermining the reliability of clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical development, and translational research. Ensuring RNA stability is thus not only a matter of best laboratory practice, but a fundamental requirement for achieving meaningful scientific and clinical outcomes.
Transporting and storing RNA demands stringent controls to protect samples from temperature fluctuations, enzymatic degradation, and physical stress. The risk of sample thawing during shipment, exposure to suboptimal temperatures, or delays in transit can lead to irreversible degradation, jeopardizing entire research projects and clinical trial timelines.
In addition, the complexity of global logistics—ranging from regulatory variations to variable cold chain infrastructure—further complicates the safe movement of RNA samples. Maintaining chain-of-custody, ensuring proper documentation, and tracking temperature exposure are essential components of successful RNA logistics.
Adhering to best practices for RNA stabilization is critical from both a scientific and regulatory standpoint. This includes immediate sample processing, the use of RNase inhibitors, and rapid freezing or stabilization in solutions specifically formulated to protect RNA integrity at ambient or cryogenic temperatures.
Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA require strict documentation of sample handling, chain-of-custody, and validation of storage conditions to support clinical trial data and pharmaceutical submissions. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) that encompass validated stabilization protocols, temperature monitoring, and audit-ready inventory management are essential to ensure compliance and data integrity.
GENEWIZ RNA Stabilization Tubes from Azenta Life Sciences alleviates the need for costly transportation of RNA on dry ice. A proprietary formulation preserves RNA at ambient temperature for months to years, under optimal conditions, simplifying sample storage, shipping, and handling while reducing overall shipping costs by up to 80%. RNA is protected against degradation immediately upon addition to the tubes and the brief drying process helps prevent damage from RNA hydrolysis and oxidation.