QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit – RNA Extraction from Blood

For purification of cellular RNA from fresh whole blood

S_1622_RPA_QA_1065

✓ 24/7 automatic processing of online orders

✓ Knowledgeable and professional Product & Technical Support

✓ Fast and reliable (re)-ordering

QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit (50)

Cat. No. / ID:   52304

For 50 RNA preps: 50 QIAamp Mini Spin Columns, 50 QIAshredder Spin Columns, Collection Tubes (1.5 ml and 2 ml), RNase-free reagents and buffers
KitBuffer
QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit
Buffer AW1
The QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit is intended for molecular biology applications. This product is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.

✓ 24/7 automatic processing of online orders

✓ Knowledgeable and professional Product & Technical Support

✓ Fast and reliable (re)-ordering

Features

  • Rapid purification of high-quality, ready-to-use RNA
  • No organic extraction or alcohol precipitation
  • Consistent, high yields
  • Removal of contaminants and inhibitors

Product Details

The QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit provides silica-membrane-based purification of cellular RNA from up to 1.5 ml of fresh, whole human blood stabilized with any common anticoagulant, such as citrate, heparin, or EDTA. After homogenization using the QIAshredder spin column, a fast spin-column procedure simplifies RNA purification. Purification can be fully automated on the QIAcube Connect.

Performance

The QIAamp procedure completely removes RNases, contaminants, and enzyme inhibitors, yielding high-quality RNA suitable for any downstream application (see figures " High-quality RNA for northern analysis" and " Reliable RT-PCR analysis").

The QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit provides the highest-quality RNA with minimum copurification of DNA. However, as with any RNA purification method, some DNA contamination can be expected. For certain RNA applications that are sensitive to very small amounts of DNA, it may be necessary to remove any remaining DNA. In these cases, the QIAGEN RNase-Free DNase Set provides convenient on-column DNase treatment of RNA samples during QIAamp RNA procedures.

See figures

Principle

The QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit provides purification of cellular RNA using silica-membrane technology. No phenol–chloroform extraction is required. RNA binds specifically to the QIAamp silica-gel membrane while contaminants pass through. PCR inhibitors, such as divalent cations and proteins, are completely removed in two efficient wash steps, leaving pure RNA to be eluted in either water or a buffer provided with the kit.

QIAamp technology yields total cellular RNA from fresh whole blood and other sample sources that is ready to use in RT-PCR and blotting procedures. QIAamp sample preparation technology is fully licensed.

Procedure

The QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit simplifies isolation of RNA from blood with a fast spin-column procedure (see figure " Procedure"). Red blood cells are selectively lysed and white cells collected by centrifugation. White cells are then lysed using highly denaturing conditions which immediately inactivate RNases. After homogenization using the QIAshredder spin column, the sample is applied to the QIAamp spin column. Total RNA binds to the QIAamp membrane and contaminants are washed away, leaving pure RNA to be eluted in 30–100 µl RNase-free water (provided with the kit) for direct use in any downstream application.
See figures

Applications

QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kits provide a fast, easy method for the preparation of total cellular RNA from up to 1.5 ml of human whole blood. Contaminants and enzyme inhibitors, such as hemoglobin and heparin, are completely removed, leaving purified RNA ready for use in downstream applications, such as: 

  • RT-PCR
  • Real-time RT-PCR
  • cDNA synthesis
  • Northern, dot and slot blotting
  • RNase/S1 nuclease protection
  • Differential display
  • Poly A+ RNA selection
  • Primer extension

In addition, QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kits can be used to purify total RNA from tissues and cultured cells and to separate RNA from proteins, salt and other reaction components after enzymatic reactions, such as DNase digestions, proteinase digestions, RNA ligation and labeling reactions. 

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
ApplicationsPCR, real-time PCR, microarray
Elution volume30–100 µl
Main sample typeWhole blood, tissue
Purification of total RNA, miRNA, poly A+ mRNA, DNA or proteinCellular RNA
Sample amount50–1.5 ml
FormatSpin columns
ProcessingManual (centrifugation)
Time per run or per prep<1 hour
TechnologySilica technology
Yield1–5 µg

Publications

Preanalytical mRNA stabilization of whole bone marrow samples.
Langebrake C; Günther K; Lauber J; Reinhardt D;
Clin Chem; 2007; 53 (4):587-93 2007 Feb 8 PMID:17289802
Histone acetylation dependent allelic expression imbalance of BAPX1 in patients with the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum.
Fischer S; Lüdecke HJ; Wieczorek D; Böhringer S; Gillessen-Kaesbach G; Horsthemke B;
Hum Mol Genet; 2006; 15 (4):581-7 2006 Jan 11 PMID:16407370
Molecular analysis of the GNAS1 gene for the correct diagnosis of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy and pseudohypoparathyroidism.
De Sanctis L; Romagnolo D; Olivero M; Buzi F; Maghnie M; Scirè G; Crino A; Baroncelli GI; Salerno M; Di Maio S; Cappa M; Grosso S; Rigon F; Lala R; De Sanctis C; Dianzani I;
Pediatr Res; 2003; 53 (5):749-55 2003 Mar 5 PMID:12621129
Perforin-dependent brain-infiltrating cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes mediate experimental cerebral malaria pathogenesis.
Nitcheu J; Bonduelle O; Combadiere C; Tefit M; Seilhean D; Mazier D; Combadiere B;
J Immunol; 2003; 170 (4):2221-8 2003 Feb 15 PMID:12574396

FAQ

What is the cellular composition of human blood?

One milliliter of healthy human blood consists of cell types in approximately the following numbers:

  • Leucocytes (function: immune response) 4–7 x 106 cells
  • Thrombocytes (function: wound closing) 3–4 x 108 cells 
  • Erythrocytes (function O2 and CO2 transport) 5 x 109 cells
FAQ ID -2951
What kits does QIAGEN offer to extract RNA from whole blood?

Several kit options are available for this application. We recommend using the PAXgene Blood RNA System, which enables the collection, stabilization and transportation of 2.5 ml human whole blood samples, and subsequent rapid and efficient isolation of cellular RNA.

Other products for the isolation of RNA from whole human blood are the QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit and the RNeasy Midi Kit for processing up to 1.5 ml and 10 ml human whole blood, respectively.

FAQ ID -304
What is the composition of Buffer RLT?

The exact composition of Buffer RLT is confidential. This buffer is a proprietary component of RNeasy Kits. Buffer RLT contains a high concentration of guanidine isothiocycanate, which supports the binding of RNA to the silica membrane. Buffer RLT can be purchased separately (cat. no. 79216)

Note: note that ß-mercaptoethanol should be added to Buffer RLT before use to effectively inactivate RNAses in the lysate (10 µl ß-Mercaptoethanol per 1 ml Buffer RLT).

FAQ ID -2793
What is the difference between QIAGEN Protease and QIAGEN Proteinase K provided in various QIAamp Kits?

QIAGEN Proteinase K is a subtilisin-type protease, which cleaves at the carboxyl side of hydrophobic, aliphatic and aromatic amino acids. It is particularly suitable for short digestion times. It possesses a high specific activity over a wide range of temperatures and pH values with substantially increased activity at higher temperature. Soluble calcium is not essential for enzymatic activity. This means that EDTA, which is used to inhibit Mg2+-dependent enzymes such as nucleases, will not inhibit Proteinase K activity.

QIAGEN Protease is a broad-specificity Serine protease with high activity, cleaving preferentially at neutral and acidic residues. It is an economical alternative to Proteinase K for isolation of native DNA and RNA from a variety of samples.

FAQ ID -761
Can I clean up my DNase treated RNA samples using RNeasy columns?
Yes. The RNeasy MinElute Cleanup Kit has been developed specifically for cleaning up and concentrating RNA samples. You can also follow the protocols for RNA cleanup in the RNeasy Mini and RNeasy Midi/Maxi Handbook.
FAQ ID -286
Can the RNase-Free DNase Set be used for DNase digestions of RNA in solution?

Yes. Even though buffer RDD in the RNase-Free DNase Set is optimized for on-column DNase digestion, the buffer is also well-suited for efficient DNase digestion in solution. Please note that the reaction must be cleaned up after the off-column DNase digest to remove the enzyme and buffer RDD, which will interfere with subsequent RT reactions.

A protocol for in-solution DNase digestion using the RNase-Free DNase Set can be found in Appendix C of the RNeasy MinElute Cleanup Handbook. For subsequent RNA Cleanup, use either the RNeasy MinElute Cleanup Kit, or follow the instructions for RNA Cleanup in the RNeasy Mini Handbook.

 

FAQ ID -619
What can be used as an alternative to the A260 measurement for quantification of small amounts of RNA and DNA?

Small amounts of RNA and DNA may be difficult to measure spectrophotometrically. Fluorometric measurements, or quantitative RT-PCR and PCR are more sensitive and accurate methods to quantify low amounts of RNA or DNA.

Fluorometric measurements are carried out using nucleic acid binding dyes, such as RiboGreen® RNA Quantitation Reagent for RNA, and PicoGreen® DNA Quantitation Reagent for DNA (Molecular Probes, Inc.).

FAQ ID -728
What is the average amount of DNA and RNA present in 1 ml normal serum?

According to an Interview with Professor Dennis Lo published in QIAGEN News Molecular Diagnostics, Issue No. 5, 2002, healthy individuals have about 500-1000 genome equivalents (DNA) per ml serum/plasma.

For free-circulating DNA in plasma, the concentration can range from 1–100 ng/ml in healthy individuals.

FAQ ID -635
What has to be done to an RNA sample before loading it onto an Agilent Bioanalyzer?

For RNA isolated on the BioRobot EZ1 and BioRobot M48:

The RNA can be directly applied to the Agilent Bioanalyzer, since it is being denatured in the final protocol steps of these isolation procedures.

For RNA prepared with all other QIAGEN RNA Isolation Products:

We recommend to denature the samples in a water bath for 2 min at 70°C, and then place them directly on ice prior to loading them onto the Agilent Bioanalyzer.

 

FAQ ID -528
Why does my isolated RNA have a low OD 260/280 ratio?

The A260/ A280 ratio is influenced considerably by pH. Since water is not buffered, the pH and the resulting A260/A280 ratio can vary greatly. Lower pH results in a lower A260/ A280 ratio and a reduced sensitivity to protein contamination*.

For accurate values, we recommend measuring absorbance in 10 mM Tris·Cl, pH 7.5. Always be sure to calibrate the spectrophotometer with the same solution. Please see the Appendix sections in the RNeasy handbooks for additional information.


* Wilfinger, W.W., Mackey, M., and Chomczynski, P. (1997) Effect of pH and ionic strength on the spectrophotometric assessment of nucleic acid purity. BioTechniques 22, 474.

FAQ ID -97
How do I safely inactivate biohazardous flow-through material?

Always dispose of potentially biohazardous solutions according to your institution’s waste-disposal guidelines. Although the lysis and binding buffers in QIAamp, DNeasy, and RNeasy kits contain chaotropic agents that can inactivate some biohazardous material, local regulations dictate the proper way to dispose of biohazards. DO NOT add bleach or acidic solutions directly to the sample-preparation waste. Guanidine hydrochloride in the sample-preparation waste can form highly reactive compounds when combined with bleach.
Please access our Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) online for detailed information on the reagents for each respective kit.

FAQ ID -12
How should I quantify RNA isolated with RNeasy Kits?

The concentration of RNA isolated with RNeasy Kits can be determined by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm (A260) in a spectrophotometer. Absorbance readings should be greater than 0.15 to ensure significance. An absorbance of 1 unit at 260 nm corresponds to 40 µg of RNA per ml (A260 = 1 = 40 µg/ml). This relationship is valid for measurements in water. Therefore, dilute RNA in water to quantify it spectrophotometrically.

An example of the calculations involved in RNA quantification is shown below. Use the buffer in which the RNA is diluted to zero the spectrophotometer:

  • Volume of RNA sample = 100 µl
  • Dilution = 10 µl of RNA sample + 490 µl distilled water (1/50 dilution)
  • Absorbance of diluted sample measured in a 1 ml cuvette (RNase-free): A260 = 0.23
  • Concentration of original RNA sample = 40 x A260 x dilution factor = 40 x 0.23 x 50
  • RNA concentration: 460 µg/ml

  • Total yield = concentration x volume of sample (ml) = 460 µg/ml x 0.1 ml
  • RNA yield: 46 µg

For additional information on RNA quantitation and handling, see the Appendix section in the RNeasy Mini Handbook.

FAQ ID -32