Question: How can I avoid mRNA degradation during sample preparation and slide processing for Xenium In Situ?

Answer: While we have found that tissue in the Xenium assay workflow is quite robust and resistant to RNA degradation, we would recommend following general best practices when working with RNA. Additional suggestions to avoid degradation include:

• Clean sectioning equipment with RNase decontamination solution prior to sectioning.
• Utilize a clean, new blade when sectioning tissue.
• Use MilliQ or nuclease-free water in your water bath for floating sections.
• Use fresh reagents for tissue processing. 
• Store tissues placed on slides at appropriate temperature and do not exceed maximum storage times listed in the Tissue Preparation Guides:
  • Demonstrated Protocol: FFPE Tissue Preparation
  • Demonstrated Protocol: FF Tissue Preparation 
• Use clean glassware (spray with RNase decontamination solution and/or autoclave prior to use).
• Use nuclease-free water for all steps of the Xenium In Situ Gene Expression assay workflow.
• Use our recommended brands of 3rd party reagents.
• Avoid reusing aliquots of the same buffers for multiple experiments.

Product: Xenium In Situ Gene Expression