On receipt of your DNA order ECACC recommends the following:

DNA Received in Tubes

1. Remove external packaging, taking care not to throw away the accompanying data sheet and product insert. These sheets contain valuable information about how the DNA should be handled and stored.
   
2. If the DNA is received frozen it may continue to be stored frozen at -20⁰C. Repeated freeze thawing should be avoided.
   
3. Once thawed the DNA can be stored at 4 to 8⁰C for at least six months.
   
4. Before unscrewing the cap of the tube, place in a mini centrifuge for a short spin to bring all DNA to the bottom of the tube.
   
5. Take care not to mix caps between samples. If in doubt use a fresh cap.

DNA Received on 96 Well Plates

1. Remove external packaging, taking care not to throw away the accompanying data sheet and product insert. These sheets contain valuable information about how the DNA should be handled and stored.
   
2. If the DNA is received frozen it may continue to be stored frozen at -20⁰C or below. Repeated freeze thawing should be avoided.
   
3. Once the plates have been thawed, prior to piercing, they should be centrifuged briefly to bring all DNA to the bottom of the well.
   
4. DNA supplied on 96 well plates is designed for single use. However should it be necessary to store the plates then the plastic lid should be placed over the pierced wells. The plate should be stored upright at 4 to 8⁰C.  The DNA will evaporate very quicly (within days) if the plate is not re-sealed using the replacement seal supplied.  When re-sealed the DNA can be stored for a minimum of 3 months at 4 to 8⁰C.
   
5. ECACC does not recommend that you re-freeze the plates but, if you do, the plates should be re-sealed and stored upright.