Description

To preserve the quality of RNAs, commonly used methods for collecting fresh human milk samples typically require a stringent collection and handling routine. This includes proximity to a laboratory (within 20 minutes of driving distance) and ultra-cold storage conditions (below -80°C). Compared to "non-research" settings, current standards in sample collection require either 1) participant travel or 2) home visits for biospecimen collection. These requirements impede the inclusion of wide, non- biased milk samples from a range of populations, which is necessary for robust human subject studies. Subsequently, certain populations are excluded due to arbitrary factors like location, daytime availability, and residence. The development of human milk collection protocols that enable wide-ranging participation is a research priority that supports our research at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and any global investigative efforts that include human milk RNA sequencing.

Recruitment will take place in 2 phases (N=25 participants each) to allow for adjustments to the biospecimen collection kit and optimization of RNA integrity. During the first recruitment phase, N=25 participants will be recruited and enrolled using a reagent: human milk concentration of approximately 2:1.

After return of N=25 participant kits, recruitment will briefly pause to extract RNA and run RNA integrity analyses. Results of analyses will inform whether to proceed to phase 2 (recruitment and enrollment of an additional N=25 participants) with the same reagent: human milk concentrations or whether to adjust volume or concentration. Total volume of human milk collection will not exceed 30 mL.