Stability of microbiome samples analyzed with 16S

We performed a pilot study aimed to validate the sampling protocol based on the viability of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing in microbiome samples. Faecal and oral samples from five participants were collected and preserved in different conditions: i) 70% ethanol; ii) in a FIT tube for stool samples; and iii) in a chlorhexidine solution for oral wash samples. Four aliquots were prepared per sample and stored at RT, and frozen at days 0, 5, 10 and 15, respectively. This study was funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, grant PI020-01439, and the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health.