Are viral RNA extraction kits suitable for serum and plasma samples?

Serum and plasma viral RNA extraction suggests focusing on sample matrix inhibitor removal rather than magnetic beads or columnar forms. The magnetic bead method is suitable for batches, but it depends on whether the binding buffer contains enough salt or alcohol, residue control after washing, and whether the elution volume can be reduced to a small range. Selection allows suppliers to provide instructions for serum, plasma, and anticoagulant tube fitting. If the target is only qPCR, suitable carrier RNA can be added to the lysate to improve low copy recovery; if the subsequent library is built, it is necessary to confirm whether the carrier affects the linker connection.

Column kits are not unusable, and many inhibitor problems come from inadequate washing and drying. It is recommended to fix the sample volume to avoid excessive lysate; fully centrifuge between the two washes, and the ethanol residue will significantly affect the reconstitution and qPCR; the eluent can be warmed and left to stand for several minutes. If the plasma contains heparin or is high in fat and hemolysis, it is necessary to confirm whether it is inhibited first. Small samples can be diluted and then restored. When the budget is tight, domestic magnetic beads or column-type sets can be considered, but the supplier is required to have respiratory virus adaptation, nuclease-free treatment/quality inspection and stable delivery time, and try in small batches first.