What is Viral RNA?

Viral RNA refers to the genetic material of RNA viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HCV, or Dengue virus. Detecting viral RNA accurately requires its efficient extraction from clinical samples like serum or plasma. This process is essential for sensitive and specific PCR-based viral diagnostics. The TRUPCR® Viral RNA Extraction Kit streamlines this step into a fast, safe, and reproducible process.

Role of Viral RNA in Diagnostics

Viral RNA is a key biomarker for many infectious diseases and is routinely used in diagnostics to confirm active infections. Accurate detection of viral RNA through RT-PCR relies on the integrity and purity of extracted RNA. Contaminants like proteins, salts, and enzymatic inhibitors can interfere with amplification. This kit overcomes those challenges by providing a carrier RNA-enhanced protocol that maximizes RNA recovery and ensures inhibitor-free elution for highly sensitive detection.

About the TRUPCR® Viral RNA Extraction Kit

This kit employs silica membrane technology and a proprietary buffer formulation for isolating viral RNA from cell-free body fluids. It is particularly useful for diagnostic laboratories handling patient samples with potentially low viral loads. The procedure includes:

1. Cell Lysis – Efficient disruption of viral particles using a chaotropic buffer

2. RNA Binding – Specific binding of RNA to the silica membrane in the column

3. Washing – Two ethanol-based wash steps remove all contaminants and inhibitors

4. Elution – High-quality RNA is eluted in RNase-free water or buffer, ready for use

The absence of enzymatic pre-incubation saves time, and the entire process takes under 30 minutes.

Principle and Workflow

The TRUPCR® Viral RNA Extraction Kit follows a simple and robust manual protocol:

• Sample Type: Plasma, serum, or other body fluids (0.2–1 mL)

• Binding Technology: Silica membrane spin column

• Carrier RNA: Enhances recovery from low-titer samples

• Elution Volume: 30–50 µL of purified viral RNA

• Processing Time: ≤30 minutes

Each extraction avoids cross-contamination and ensures high integrity of RNA for sensitive RT-PCR assays.

Clinical Application

The TRUPCR® Viral RNA Extraction Kit is suitable for molecular detection workflows involving:

• COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection

• HIV and HCV viral load monitoring

• Dengue, CMV, Chikungunya diagnostics

• RNA virus surveillance in public health labs

• Research on emerging viral pathogens

It’s fully compatible with real-time PCR and reverse transcription workflows, including TRUPCR®’s own diagnostic panels and third-party molecular assays.