RNAlater pathway for solid cancer whole genome sequencing (WGS)

Invitrogen RNAlater Stabilization Solution is an aqueous, nontoxic tissue stabilization and storage reagent that rapidly permeates tissues to stabilize and protect cellular nucleic acids. Tissue stored in RNAlater has been proven to be a suitable source of DNA for downstream Whole-genome sequencing applications and is now a Genomics-England (GEL)-accepted sample option for WGS solid tumour cases.

Availability of RNAlater removes the need for immediate freezing or dry ice shipment in many cases and makes out-of-hours sampling safer and more practical.

Please note that there is no need to move to this pathway for referring centres where WGS submission pathways utilising fresh frozen tissue samples are already in place.

Please see the highlighted information below and read the full instructions before submitting samples.

• RNAlater solution needs to be purchased by the referring organisation. Please refer to details in the instructions attached for options available.
• Histological and tumour-purity assessment must be performed by the referring organisation before samples are submitted for WGS. Please refer to details in the instructions attached
• TOF and ROD and eligibility forms need to be submitted alongside the tumour sample and germline sample as per current WGS submission protocols