RNAlater storage increases the potential utility of stored fecal samples, so further study is warranted to determine the conditions of collection for which this reagent is suitable. Although our study showed no differences in microbiome composition between card collection with room temperature storage and collection in Eppendorf tube with immediate freezing, we recognize that a larger series of samples may have identified Blasticidin S some differences not found here.
Also, our subjects were healthy and the collected samples may not have captured the full range of stool conditions that might be expected if subjects were ill. These considerations may be important in carrying out stool collection in different study settings. Our findings support the use of fecal occult blood test card collections for microbiome assessment of fecal samples. These cards are commercially available
and inexpensive. The small size and flat shape also makes the card easier Bindarit price to include in packages to be sent to participants, compared to bulkier Eppendorf tubes. Study subjects can easily Dactolisib collect samples on the cards. Because the cards are widely used in colorectal cancer screening [23], potential participants might also be more accepting of collecting samples in this way. A possible drawback of the Hemoccult Sensa® card is that it contains a chemical reagent used to detect blood in the stool [24] which could possibly affect gut microbiome. However, we found no evidence of a significant difference in gut microbiome in fecal samples collected by this method. Findings that results were unaffected by three-day storage at room temperature of the collection cards or Eppendorf
tubes suggests that participant home-collection and mailing of these samples Cetuximab price is suitable for epidemiological studies. Conclusions Our findings suggest that fecal collection on a fecal occult blood test card or in an Eppendorf tube and storage for three days at room temperature does not substantially influence the assessment of gut microbiome. Because of the low-cost and simplicity of use, fecal occult blood test card collection may be a feasible method for large-scale population-based studies. Acknowledgement This work was supported by the R01 CA159036 NCI award and R03 CA159414, R21 CA183887, AACR/PanCan career development award. References 1. Savage DC: Microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract. Annu Rev Microbiol 1977, 31:107–133.PubMedCrossRef 2. Ahn J, Sinha R, Pei Z, Dominianni C, Wu J, Shi J, Goedert JJ, Hayes RB, Yang L: Human gut microbiome and risk for colorectal cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013,105(24):1907–1911.PubMedCrossRef 3. A guide to bacteria preservation: refrigeration, freezing and freeze drying OPS Diagnositics. Accessed 10 March 2014, http://www.opsdiagnostics.com/notes/ranpri/aguidetobacteriapreservation.htm 4.