Figure 1.

Stability of influenza RNA at room temperature in different matrices at different spiking concentrations. 3.55 × 10⁶, 3.55 × 10⁵, or 3.55 × 10⁴ EID₅₀ of H1N1 virus in 10 μl of PBS, diluted as stated in Materials and Methods was mixed with 130 μl of PBS, plasma, or buffy coats for different periods of time indicated. Real-time RT-PCR was performed with TaqMan and, the results were shown as Ct value in RT-PCR. (A). Comparison of RNA recovery from samples with different virus concentrations stored in PBS vs. in plasma. (B). Comparison of RNA recovery from different virus concentrations stored in PBS vs. buffy coats. (C). Comparison of RNA yield from different virus concentrations stored in buffy coats.