Question: Can RNAlater or other RNA stabilization reagents be used to treat cells prior to running 10x Single Cell assays?
Answer: We have not tested the treatment of cells with RNAlater or RNAprotect prior to running cells with the Single Cell Gene Expression or Single Cell Immune Profiling assays, and thus cannot provide any specific recommendations. However, these reagents could lyse or permeabilize cells (in a cell-type-specific manner), which would compromise partitioning and cell barcoding.
We recommend verifying cell viability with live/dead stains prior to running cells through either assay. In addition, we advise minimizing the total volume of cell suspension that is added to the amplification master mix to minimize potential carryover.
Products: Single Cell Gene Expression, Single Cell Immune Profiling