An outbreak of Salmonella has occurred in the community. Molecular-based assays need to be performed in order to determine if al
l the Salmonella isolated at hospital X are related to each other and part of the outbreak. Laboratory technologists have accumulated 10 different cultures growing Salmonella and suspect that there may be more isolated in the next few days. The supervisor has asked that the molecular-based assays be performed on as many of the isolates as possible. How should these organisms be handled until the molecular-based assays can be performed in about 3 days?
Isolate DNA from all organisms and store at --20ºC.
Explanation:
The first step to be taken, in the case shown in the question above, is to isolate DNA from organisms, as molecular assays will need to be performed and these assays require the presence of the organism's DNA to be performed. Because DNA is a sensitive and unstable molecule, it must be preserved in a refrigerated environment to maintain its integrity and to be studied. Then, after isolating the DNA, technicians must store the DNA in refrigeration. It is best to store the DNA at -20ºC.
