RNA precipitation protocol

[Francy87]

Hello to everyone!!
I need to send some RNA samples for metagenomic analysis. I thought to perform total RNA extraction and rRNA depletion in my lab, then I'd like to send samples to the seq facility, for cDNA synthesis and shotgun analysis (illumina HiSeq). The reason why I can't perform the cDNA synthesis here is that my boss says the kit is too expensive... So I'd like to know if someone has never used precipitated RNA for Illumina seq and which protocol used?? Moreover, how to send precipitate samples from Italy to USA?? Do I need dry ice or can I send them only refrigerated??
Many thanks
Francesca

[Manna]

I would spin them down and send them dry. RNA is pretty stable this way at a broad range of temperatures. Make sure your recipient knows they're coming that way.