STABILIZATION OF RNA IN AND EXTRACTING FROM INTACT CELLS WITHIN A BLOOD SAMPLE

摘要

A method for preserving and processing nucleic acids located within a blood sample is disclosed, wherein a blood sample containing nucleic acids is treated to reduce both blood cell lysis and nuclease activity within the blood sample. The treatment of the sample aids in increasing the integrity and amount of cellular nucleic acids that can be identified and tested while avoiding contamination of the isolated nucleic acids with cell -free nucleic acids. The preferred compositions for preserving and processing contain diazolidinyl urea (DU), EDTA, aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), glyceraldehyde and sodium floride.