The Viral RNA Extraction Buffer has been optimized to provide rapid, room-temperature lysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral particles in saliva. The buffer comes as a 4x working solution that can be mixed with virus-containing samples in a qRT-PCR plate. Upon 5 minute incubation at room temperature, viral particles are lysed and RNA is stabilized such that samples are ready for direct analysis via RT-qPCR with no additional cleanup step. Removal of precipitates in saliva via centrifugation prior to testing is recommended for optimal sensitivity.
The Viral RNA Extraction Buffer is broadly compatible with most nucleic acid detection methods and does not reduce signal when used at working concentration in qRT-PCR. qRT-PCR compatibility has been demonstrated in a 4-fluor multiplex setting consisting of Cy5, TxRed, FAM, and HEX.
RT-qPCR compatibility has been verified with several one-step RT-qPCR kits: