QIAamp 96 Viral RNA Kit has been successfully used to recover RNA from viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 isolation). The performance of the QIAamp 96 Viral RNA Kit is comparable to that achieved with the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Reliable RNA recovery). RNA isolation is proven from commonly used saliva collection and stabilization methods (Compatability with saliva stabilization methods) and no cross-contamination was detected (No cross-contamination).

The QIAamp 96 Viral RNA Kit simplifies the isolation of viral RNA from nasotracheal swabs. No phenol–chloroform extraction is required. Viral RNA binds specifically to the QIAamp silica membrane while contaminants pass through. PCR inhibitors, such as divalent cations and proteins, are completely removed in two efficient wash steps, leaving pure viral RNA to be eluted in either water or a buffer provided with the kit.

Optimized buffers and enzymes lyse samples, stabilize nucleic acids, and enhance selective RNA adsorption to the QIAamp membrane. To guarantee RNA integrity, samples are lysed under highly denaturing conditions to inactivate RNases. Alcohol is added and lysates loaded onto the QIAamp 96 Plate. Wash buffers are used to remove impurities and pure, ready-to-use RNA is then eluted in water or low-salt buffer. The QIAamp 96 Viral RNA Kit is automatable on various instruments.

We recommend the use of the Centrifuge 4-16S or Centrifuge 4-16KS for centrifuge processing. Alternative centrifuges with the swing-out rotor, minimum 5788 x g capacity, and the ability to accommodate plate assemblies with a height of minimum 75 mm or more may be used. Centrifuges with lower g-force (minimum 3486 x g) can be used with an alternative protocol.

Plasticware recommended for centrifugation processing: Plastic consumables need to be in SBS format and must be able to withstand the necessary g-forces. Deep-well plates need to have a capacity of 2 ml and elution plates need to have a capacity of ≥500 µl. Four deep-well plates and one elution plate are required for the processing of 96 samples.

The QIAamp 96 Viral RNA Kit simplifies high-throughput viral RNA, offering fast 96-well procedures, or automation on suitable centrifuges and instruments.