Abstract: Provided herein are methods and composition for processing samples that contain nucleic acids, or cells containing nucleic acids, of a microbiome, using amounts of primers within a range of mole values and rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) within a range of numbers of rounds.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and composition for processing samples that contain nucleic acids, or cells containing nucleic acids, of a microbiome, using amounts of primers within a range of mole values and rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) within a range of numbers of rounds.

Abstract: A fluid collection system comprises a sealed reagent container that fits inside a sample container and is unsealed by disengaging a seal comprised in a sample container. The sealed reagent container contains a reagent, such as a nucleic acid preservative. The reagent container also includes a sleeve disposed opposite the sealed opening. The sleeve includes a distal opening for receiving a sample and a proximal opening disposed in the sample container for guiding a sample from the distal opening and through the proximal opening into the sample container. Disengaging the seal releases the reagent into the sample container with the sample, where they mix.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and composition for processing samples that contain nucleic acids, or cells containing nucleic acids, of a microbiome, using amounts of primers within a range of mole values and rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) within a range of numbers of rounds.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making nucleic acid libraries. Libraries can be enriched for target nucleic acids by subtractive purification involving the use of poly-tagged capture probes and/or a DNA degradation step performed after a subtractive purification step.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing molar amounts of nucleic acids in a sample by using fixed molar amounts of primers and amplifying nucleic acids in the sample through a sufficient number of rounds to use all the primer. The methods may be used on a plurality of separate samples to produce samples with molar amounts of nucleic acids that are the same, or substantially the same, or that are related in known molar ratios. Further provided herein are normalized, optionally pooled nucleic acid libraries.