Tubes & Sample Collection

Transport Tubes & Vials

<h2 dir="ltr">What are Fecal Collection Tubes?</h2>
 Fecal collection tubes are pre-filled, single-use containers for stabilizing DNA, RNA, and the microbial community profile of stool specimens at ambient temperature&mdash;eliminating the need for immediate freezing after collection. A spoon or spatula attached to the screw cap enables hygienic self-collection of approximately 200&ndash;500 mg of stool directly into the preservative. Tubes are used in gut microbiome research (16S rRNA, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics), intestinal pathogen surveillance, SARS-CoV-2 wastewater and fecal RNA detection, and colorectal disease biomarker studies. Choose fecal collection tubes with an RNA-stabilizing preservative (DNA/RNA Shield) when both DNA and RNA targets&mdash;or fragile viral RNA&mdash;must be preserved from stool specimens shipped at room temperature.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Fecal collection tubes with stabilization preservatives for DNA/RNA preservation</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Stool sample collection kits with integrated sampling spoons or swabs</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Microbiome preservation tubes for sequencing and research applications</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sterile fecal collection containers for clinical diagnostics</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Leak-proof transport tubes for safe sample handling</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Pathogen-inactivating collection systems for improved biosafety</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"> How to Choose Fecal Collection Tubes</h2>
 Preservative Chemistry Zymo Research DNA/RNA Shield fecal tubes (catalog R1101, 9 mL fill) stabilize DNA and RNA and take a microbial snapshot at the time of collection by inactivating viruses and pathogens. Standard OMNIgene&bull;GUT (DNA Genotek) tubes stabilize DNA for microbiome DNA profiling, but are not validated for RNA preservation. For any RNA target&mdash;metatranscriptomics, viral RNA, host gene expression in stool&mdash;choose DNA/RNA Shield-based tubes.
Bead Format vs. No Beads Catalog R1101 is a 9 mL tube without beads for direct stool input, followed by vortexing. Catalog R1137 (4 mL, with 5 glass beads) facilitates mechanical homogenization of hard fecal pellets, particularly from mouse and non-human primate models. Choose the bead format when working with solid or compacted stool material requiring physical disruption before stabilization.
Tube Volume and Sample Input Standard Zymo fecal tubes accommodate 200&ndash;500 mg of stool in 9 mL of reagent or 100&ndash;200 mg in 4 mL (bead format). Confirm fill volume against your extraction kit's minimum input. Over-filling exceeds the validated preservative-to-sample ratio and risks incomplete pathogen inactivation and nucleic acid degradation.
Downstream Application Compatibility All DNA/RNA Shield fecal tubes are compatible with Zymo ZymoBIOMICS DNA Miniprep, Quick-RNA, and Direct-zol kits without reagent removal. For third-party kits (QIAGEN PowerSoil, Thermo Fisher MagMAX), run a pilot test: residual Shield at high concentration may cause column inhibition in some bead-based soil kits.
Kit vs. Tube-Only Format The Zymo Individual Fecal Collection Kit (R1101-K) packages one fecal tube, a Feces Catcher, gloves, and a biohazard bag in a sealed pouch&mdash;suitable for mailed at-home collection in population studies. The tube-only format (10-pack or 50-pack) suits high-throughput lab processing where accessories are managed separately.
<h2 dir="ltr"> Specifications Context</h2>
 Zymo Research DNA/RNA Shield fecal tubes are 20 &times; 76 mm screw-cap polypropylene vessels with a spoon integrated into the cap. The reagent preserves nucleic acids for 28 days at ambient temperature (15&ndash;25 &deg;C); samples can be frozen at &minus;20 &deg;C or &minus;80 &deg;C for long-term archival. SARS-CoV-2 RNA preservation in fecal samples using DNA/RNA Shield was evaluated in a 2021 Nature Communications study (Huber et al.) that benchmarked it against OMNIgene&bull;GUT and unpreserved PBS controls, demonstrating superior viral RNA recovery after ambient-temperature storage. Fecal samples stabilized with DNA/RNA Shield are non-infectious and compatible with standard courier shipping under UN3373 and IATA P650. As of 2026, the ZR1101 and ZR1137 catalog numbers are available through MBP with direct PO ordering. 
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The <a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us" style="color: #236fa1; text-decoration: underline;">MBP team</a> can help match the right fecal collection solution to your laboratory workflow.

Fecal Collection

Feces Catcher (10 Pack)

The Feces Catcher (R1101-1-10) by Zymo Research is a 10-pack of flushable paper collection strips that lay across any standard toilet seat to support fecal sample collection above the water line. Each strip allows a small amount of stool to be transferred to a collection tube before flushing, enabling non-invasive, hygienic sample acquisition for microbiome analysis and molecular applications.
R1101-1-10 is compatible with the DNA/RNA Shield Fecal Collection Tube (R1101) and is included individually in the DNA/RNA Shield Fecal Collection Kit (R1180). Made in USA by Zymo Research.
Order via <a href="https://www.mbpinc.net/quickorder">Quick Order</a> or contact <a href="mailto:customerservice@mbpinc.net">customerservice@mbpinc.net</a>.

Manufacturer

Shipping Condition

Storage Condition

<h2>What are Stabilization Reagents?</h2>
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Stabilization reagents are aqueous solutions added to biological samples&mdash;tissue, blood, saliva, swabs, feces, or environmental specimens&mdash;immediately after collection to inhibit nuclease activity, inactivate infectious agents, and preserve nucleic acid integrity during storage and transport at ambient temperature. They replace immediate snap-freezing in workflows where cold-chain logistics are impractical or unavailable. Choose stabilization reagents when samples must be transported at room temperature, stored before processing, or collected in remote or field settings where freezing is impossible.
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<h2>What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>DNA stabilization reagents for genomic DNA preservation</li>
<li>RNA stabilization reagents for transcriptomics and gene expression studies</li>
<li>Dual DNA/RNA stabilization buffers for broad molecular workflows</li>
<li>Blood stabilization solutions for clinical and diagnostic sampling</li>
<li>Tissue stabilization reagents for biopsy and solid sample preservation</li>
<li>Stool and microbiome stabilization solutions for sequencing studies</li>
<li>Pre-filled stabilization reagent tubes (1 mL&ndash;10 mL formats)</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose Stabilization Reagents</h2>
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Nucleic Acid Target (DNA, RNA, or Both)
DNA-stabilizing reagents preserve genomic and microbial DNA during storage and transport. RNA-stabilizing reagents must rapidly inactivate RNases to maintain RNA integrity for transcriptomics and gene expression studies. For workflows requiring both DNA and RNA, select reagents validated for dual preservation, and confirm they maintain suitable RNA integrity over your anticipated storage period.
Sample Matrix Compatibility
Reagent choice depends on sample type. Liquid blood, tissue, stool, saliva, and environmental samples each require appropriate stabilization protocols and reagent volumes recommended by the manufacturer. Using insufficient reagent volume or an incompatible stabilization protocol can reduce preservation efficiency.
Downstream Compatibility
Verify that the stabilization reagent is compatible with your intended nucleic acid extraction kit and downstream applications, including PCR, qPCR, NGS, or transcriptomic analysis. Some stabilization reagents can be processed directly with compatible extraction kits, while others require removal before extraction.
Infectious Agent Inactivation
For potentially infectious clinical or environmental samples, select stabilization reagents that have been validated to inactivate relevant pathogens while preserving nucleic acid quality. Confirm any regulatory clearances or pathogen-specific validation claims for the exact product being used.
Storage Duration
Select a stabilization reagent validated for your expected storage time and temperature. Some products support short-term ambient storage, while others are designed for extended preservation at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's validated storage recommendations.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Stabilization reagents should be added immediately after sample collection because delayed stabilization can reduce RNA integrity, particularly in tissue samples. Products are available in multiple formulations and container sizes for laboratory and field use. Always verify the recommended reagent concentration, sample-to-reagent ratio, storage conditions, and compatibility with your downstream workflow according to the manufacturer's documentation.
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MBP can help align the stabilization system with your exact workflow.&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact the MBP team</a> for bulk pricing and PO ordering.

Stabilization Reagents

MSDS

PK Digestion Buffer

R1200-1-20 by Zymo Research is the PK Digestion Buffer (20 ml), used with Proteinase K in Zymo Research nucleic acid purification workflows. Included in the Quick-RNA Whole Blood Kit (R1201) and compatible Zymo kits; available as a standalone replenishment reagent in 5 ml and 20 ml formats.

PK Digestion Buffer (20 ml)

PK Digestion Buffer (5 ml)

DataSheet

R1201-Protocol

Quick-RNA™ Whole-Blood (50 Preps.)

R1201 by Zymo Research is the Quick-RNA™ Whole Blood Kit (50 preps) for total RNA isolation — including microRNAs ≥17 nt — from up to 1 ml of whole blood, plasma, or serum using Zymo-Spin columns. Typical yield 2–10 µg from 1 ml human blood; purity A260/A280 &gt;1.8. RNA is ready for NGS and RT-qPCR.

Equipment

Purity

Sample Source

Yield

Size Range

<h2 dir="ltr">What are Spin Columns?</h2>
 Spin columns are single-use polypropylene microcentrifuge column assemblies containing a silica, glass-fiber, or anion-exchange membrane that selectively binds nucleic acids under chaotropic salt conditions and releases them in water or low-salt buffer after centrifugation-based washing. They are the most widely used format for genomic DNA isolation, plasmid miniprep, RNA purification, PCR product cleanup, gel extraction, and viral nucleic acid preparation in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics. The standard spin column fits a 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL collection tube and operates in a microcentrifuge at 8,000&ndash;14,000 &times; g. Choose silica membrane spin columns for fast, kit-compatible DNA and RNA purification from 10 &micro;L to 1 mL sample inputs; choose glass-fiber columns for high-yield recovery from low-input samples; and choose anion-exchange columns for ultra-high-purity plasmid DNA intended for transfection or sequencing.
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Silica membrane spin columns for DNA and RNA purification
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Genomic DNA extraction columns for blood, tissue, and cells
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
RNA isolation columns for gene expression and transcriptomic studies
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
PCR cleanup spin columns for removing primers and enzymes
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Gel extraction columns for recovering DNA from agarose gels
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<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Plasmid DNA purification columns for bacterial culture prep
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Viral nucleic acid extraction columns for diagnostic workflows
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr"> How to Choose Spin Columns</h2>
 Membrane Chemistry: Silica vs. Glass Fiber vs. Anion Exchange Silica membrane spin columns bind nucleic acids via electrostatic interaction in the presence of chaotropic salts (guanidinium chloride or isothiocyanate); they are compatible with the broadest range of extraction buffers and kits (Zymo Research, Thermo Fisher, ABM). Glass-fiber (GF) membranes have slightly higher binding capacity and lower non-specific protein binding, preferred for small-input samples. Anion-exchange columns (DEAE resin) bind plasmid DNA by charge and produce higher purity (lower endotoxin) DNA suitable for in vitro transcription and mammalian cell transfection. Binding Capacity Standard silica membrane spin columns bind 25&ndash;100 &micro;g of DNA or up to 100 &micro;g of RNA per column. For high-yield extractions (large culture volumes, high-biomass samples), select columns with &ge;100 &micro;g capacity. For microRNA or small RNA isolation, use columns with membrane pore sizes optimized for fragments &lt;200 nt; standard genomic DNA columns do not efficiently recover small RNAs. Column Format and Collection Tube Compatibility Spin columns are supplied with or without collection tubes. Columns designed for 1.5 mL collection tubes (the most common format) are compatible with standard Eppendorf-style microcentrifuges. Some kits use proprietary collection tube dimensions &mdash; confirm that your centrifuge rotor accepts the supplied or purchased collection tube before ordering standalone spin columns. Kit-Compatible vs. Standalone Columns Standalone spin columns (without buffers) are sold as replacement columns for established extraction kits, allowing labs to reduce per-extraction cost by reusing kit wash buffers while restocking only the columns. Confirm that standalone columns from one supplier are dimensionally and chemically compatible with your kit's buffer system before substituting. Nuclease-Free Certification For RNA-sensitive applications (RNA purification, viral RNA, low-abundance transcript detection), select spin columns certified DNase-free and RNase-free per lot certificate. Contamination of the silica membrane with RNase causes RNA degradation during the bind step, a common but non-obvious source of low RNA yield. 
<h2 dir="ltr"> Specifications Context</h2>
 Standard silica membrane spin columns use medical-grade polypropylene (PP) column housings rated for centrifugation at up to 14,000 &times; g without cracking. Membrane pore size is typically 5&ndash;20 &micro;m for DNA columns; RNA-specific columns use tighter membranes to retain small RNAs. Elution volumes range from 30 &micro;L (concentration-optimized) to 100 &micro;L (yield-optimized); elution in nuclease-free water (pH 7.0&ndash;8.5) gives higher yield than elution in TE buffer for RNA-sensitive downstream applications. Zymo Research Quick-DNA and Quick-RNA columns, carried by MBP, use a proprietary silica formulation with direct-loading compatibility with DNA/RNA Shield-preserved samples without reagent removal. Spin columns remain the dominant format for nucleic acid purification across microbiome, clinical diagnostics, and forensic DNA workflows. 
<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">Contact MBP</a> for bulk pricing and PO ordering for molecular biology labs.

Spin Columns

Syringe Filter X (5 Pack)

Zymo Research C1092-5 ZymoPURE™ Syringe Filter-X, 5-pack. 60 mL PP housing; pre-attached ABS luer-lock plug; silicone-lubricated; non-sterile. Rapid alkaline-lysis E. coli lysate clarification for ZymoPURE Midiprep and Maxiprep workflows. Requires ZymoPURE Syringe Plungers (C1037-5, sold separately).

Matrix/Construction

Volumetric Capacity

Zymo-Spin™ IC-XM Columns (50 Pack)

C1103-50 by Zymo Research — 50-pack of Zymo-Spin™ IC-XM silica spin columns for high molecular weight DNA (up to 5 µg) and RNA (up to 10 µg) purification on a microcentrifuge. 800 µl capacity; minimum elution volume ≥ 10 µl. Validated for use with Quick-DNA Microprep Plus Kit (D4074).

Zymo-Spin™ II-P Columns (50 Pack)

Zymo Research C1055-50 Zymo-Spin™ II-P columns, 50-pack. Silica-based plasmid-optimized matrix; 100 µg plasmid DNA binding capacity; ≥ 25 µl elution; 800 µl per spin. Core column for ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Miniprep Kit (D4209). Made in USA.

Zymo-Spin™ II-PX Columns (50 Pack)

C1086-50 by Zymo Research is a 50-pack of Zymo-Spin™ II-PX silica-based spin columns with a 100 µg plasmid DNA binding capacity and 800 µL sample volume. These columns serve as the refill component for the ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Miniprep Kit, enabling labs to replenish column supply independently while using their existing ZymoPURE buffers, maximizing kit utilization and reducing per-prep cost.

Binding Capacity

Compatibility

Elution Volume

Format

Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XL Columns

C1102-25 by Zymo Research — capped Zymo-Spin IIC-XL silica spin columns, 25-pack, for recovery of large-sized DNA with a minimum elution volume of 10 µl. Compatible with standard microcentrifuge protocols used across Zymo Research purification kits.

Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XL Columns (25 Pack)

Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XL Columns (50 Pack)

Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XLR Columns

Zymo Research C1104-25 Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XLR columns, 25-pack. Silica-based matrix; 25 µg DNA / 50 µg RNA binding; ≥ 35 µl elution; up to 800 µl per spin. HMW DNA and RNA purification; microcentrifuge and vacuum manifold compatible. Made in USA.

Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XLR Columns (25 Pack)

Zymo-Spin™ IIC-XLR Columns (50 Pack)

Zymo-Spin™ IICR Columns

C1078-250 by Zymo Research is a 250-column bulk pack (5 × 50) of Zymo-Spin™ IICR capped silica spin columns with retention ring — binds up to 25 µg DNA or 50 µg RNA, 900 µL load volume, ≥25 µL elution, compatible with microcentrifuge and vacuum manifold.

Zymo-Spin™ IICR Columns (250 Pack)

Zymo-Spin™ IICR Columns (50 Pack)

Zymo-Spin™ V-PS Column Assembly w/ 15 ml and 50 ml Reservoir (5 Pack)

Zymo Research C1083-5: Zymo-Spin V-PS Column Assembly, 5-pack. Silica/PP column with 15 mL Reservoir-X and 50 mL reservoir (65 mL total). Binds up to 1.2 mg plasmid DNA; min elution ≥150 µl. Centrifuge and vacuum manifold compatible. Refill for ZymoPURE II and ZymoPURE Express Midiprep Kits.

Zymo-Spin™ V-PX Column Assembly w/ 15 ml and 50 ml Reservoir (5 Pack)

C1082-5 by Zymo Research — 5-pack of Zymo-Spin™ V-PX Column Assemblies with 15 ml and 50 ml reservoirs for large-scale plasmid DNA purification. Binds up to 3.0 mg plasmid DNA; elutes in ≥ 300 µl. Designed as a refill for the ZymoPURE II Plasmid Gigaprep Kit. Centrifuge and vacuum manifold compatible.