RNAlater pathway for solid cancer whole genome sequencing (WGS)

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

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 and are working well.

For key information about the RNALater pathway, please see the highlighted points below and read the full instructions.

• Samples will only be accepted by the laboratory once histopathology teams have confirmed tumour involvement and suitability of the sample for WGS
• RNAlater solution needs to be purchased by the referring organisation. Please refer to details in the instructions attached for options available (other suppliers may exist).
• 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

If you are interested in setting up and RNALater pathway within your service, please contact Dorte.Wren@gosh.nhs.uk before sending samples to the lab.

Address for samples:

SIHMDS, North Thames GLH Specimen Reception

Level 5, Barclay House Great Ormond Street Hospital

37 Queen Square London WC1N 3BH

Duty scientist: gos-tr.pmu@nhs.net