If you are extracting RNA from the nodes eventually why not use a solution called "RNA Later". You can then ship them without dry ice. Works very well in my experience. It's from ambion.com

http://www.ambion.com/catalog/CatNum.php?AM7020

Otherwise I agree with Gayle, don't use the isopentane. You could just put the tissue in a flexible tube or in a foil and drop it into the liquid nitrogen in a portable Dewar. It's not ideal but it will work fine.


----- Original Message -----
From: Gayle Callis 
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 8:20 pm
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Snap Freezing of Lymph Nodes for RNA testing

> It may be better to use a transportable Dewar flask for just the 
> liquid 
> nitrogen.  I don't think a doctors office will want to handle 
> isopentane, 
> too volatile, flammable and explosive.  Contact or maybe those on 
> Histonet 
> in dermatopathology offices have ways to do this for biopsies they 
> collect, 
> freeze and ship.
> 
> Good luck
> 
> Gayle M. Callis
> HTL/HT/MT(ASCP)
> Bozeman MT 59715
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Norm Burnham" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:50 PM
> Subject: [Histonet] Snap Freezing of Lymph Nodes for RNA testing
> 
> 
> Hi Histonet,
> 
> 
> 
> Does anyone have a simple, inexpensive and very portable method for 
> snapfreezing lymph nodes in preparation for shipment on dry ice?  
> We have
> considered Liquid Nitrogen and Isopentane bath, but I am looking 
> for a fully
> portable method that can be handled in a doctors office by their 
> staff.
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> Norm Burnham
> 
> 
> 
> ____________________________________
> 
> Norm Burnham
> Director of Laboratory Operations
> ProPath - The Leader in Pathology Services(r)
> 
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> 
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> 
> Email:  norm.burnham@propath.com 
> 
> 
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> 
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