The AMCC will provide researchers wishing to deposit their samples at the AMCC (ONLY) with pre-labeled vials as well as dryshippers and an "electronic Field Collection Kit.

Field Collection Kit

Pre-labelled 1.8 ml vials, with AMCC label containing the AMCC number in both barcode and human readable format. These numbers are communicated to the researcher in an excel format spreadsheet as part of the "Electronic Field Collection Kit".

The vials can be either empty (for flash freezing in the field) or filled with buffer (when flash freezing in the field is not possible)

We offer three buffers:

- Lysis

- RNA Later

A Qiagen^TM product, RNA Later has so far proven to preserved the molecular quality of the sample best. However, it can only be preserved at room temperature for 24 hours, after which it must be refridgerated.

Protocol for RNA Stabilization with RNAlater RNA Stabilization Reagent (PDF version, 57 KB)

- ETOH

We will provide you with ethanol of the concentration of your choice

Electronic Field Collection kit

The electronic kit consists in:

- one excel spreadsheet template containing the AMCC numbers of the pre-labeled vials as well as template data fields from the AMCC database

- The AMCC Database fields list

- The AMCC Database fields Glossary

The Additional Field Equipment:

The AMCC also has field equipment which can be used by AMNH researchers only under certain conditions.

For Conditions of use, please consult the AMCC facilities protocols - Use of Equipment

- Digital Camera:

The AMCC has 3 digital cameras put at the disposition of field researchers.

Use of the camera: a manual will be put at the disposition of the researcher.

- Dissecting Kits:

The AMCC has a field dissecting kit composed of probes, scalpel, scalpel blades, alcohol wipes, latex gloves and Petri dishes put at the disposition of researchers. The full kit is contained in a special waterproof plastic box.

- Dryshippers:

The AMCC provides researchers with dry-shippers allowing control-rate freezing type of samples collected in the field. Recently, the AMCC has managed to outfit the small dryshipper (content: 80 vials on cryo-canes) in a external frame backpack, making its transport more manageable.

A manual on how to fill and how to use the dryshipper is provided with it.

The back pack can also be used to store all the field trip material, such as dissecting kit, digital camera, laptop etc.

For more information on the dryshipper, please consult the AMCC lab facilities page

Laptop

The AMCC will put a laptop ONLY if the AMNH researcher does not have a laptop of his or her own.