FISH FAQs for reagent storage and disposal

Shipping temperatures are dependent on both the product and the destination.

1. CytoCell FISH probes shipped within the EU are shipped at ambient temperature.
2. CytoCell FISH probes shipped outside the EU are shipped at 4°C with an ice pack.
3. Tissue Pretreatment kits are shipped at 4°C.

1. Storage temperatures are dependent on the product.
2. On receipt of the products at the laboratory, CytoCell probes should be stored between -15°C to -25°C. 
3. Tissue Pretreatment kits are stored at 2-8°C.

We would suggest that you dispose of your unwanted probes by throwing them in the general lab waste; treating the probes as you would any other low-grade hazardous waste. Please note that the probes should not be flushed down a drain.

The number provided on the kit is the kit lot number. The individual component(s) in the kit will also have their own lot numbers specific for the manufacturing of those products.

Figure 1. Kit Lot Number

Figure 2. Reagent Lot Number

Please inform CytoCell technical support if you suspect that your probe is showing signs of light damage. Our manufacturing team maintains a probe archive which can be tested internally. The common characteristics of light damaged probes are nonspecific probe binding and high autofluorescence.

To mitigate the effects of light damage, we recommend the following:

• Reduce the level of probe exposure. Cover probe, place in -20°C freezer when not in use.
• Aliquot probe on arrival into single use ‘shots’.

Example 1 - Light damaged probe

Example 2 - Light damaged probe

The expiry date on the Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and DAPI is displayed in YYYY-MM-DD format on both the component tube and the outer kit label.

Figure 1. DAPI tube label

The expiry date of all other catalog products is displayed in YYYY-MM format. Please note this extends to the last day of the month, regardless of date of manufacture on the CoA.

Figure 2. Probe tube label

There should not be a mismatch between the expiry date on the probe label and the label on the outer kit. If you have checked the information above and are still concerned that you may have a mismatch in expiry dates, please contact our support team.