All RNA extraction kits from Norgen Biotek (Canada) utilize Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology instead of Silica, with 5 reasons leading to this technology shift:

1. SiC-based RNA extraction is not affected by the GC content (removes GC-bias).

2. SiC-based RNA extraction provides high-quality RNA, resulting in a high PCR sensitivity, achieving 10 copies/reaction.

3. SiC technology does not require the use of carrier RNA.

4. SiC technology does not involve the use of phenol/chloroform.

5. SiC technology is compatible with sample collection procedures using a virus-inactivating environment.

The Biological Indicator Tubes (SCBI) do not necessarily need to be incubated immediately after autoclaving. Terragene advises that the biological indicator tubes can be stored for up to 7 days after autoclaving before incubation, as long as the ampoule tubes containing the medium remain intact (not broken).

The Terragene biological indicators have a shelf life of 2 years when stored under recommended conditions. However, random factors (malfunction of the incubator-reader, environmental issues, defective batches, etc.) can lead to false negative situations. Therefore, AAMI ST79 recommends always using a new (non-sterilized) biological indicator from the same batch as the sterilized ones as a positive control.