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USGS · 70198561

A novel technique for isolating DNA from Tempus™ blood RNA tubes after RNA isolation

Jason A. Ferrante·Michelle R. Giles·Emily Benzie·Margaret Hunter
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Abstract

Objective We use Tempus blood RNA tubes (Applied Biosystems) during health assessments of American moose ( Alces alces spp.) as a minimally invasive means to obtain RNA. Here we describe a novel protocol to additionally isolate high-quality DNA from the supernatant remaining after the RNA isolation methodology. Metrics used to qualify DNA quality included measuring the concentration, obtaining a DNA integrity number from a genomic DNA ScreenTape assay (Agilent), and running the isolated DNA on an agarose gel. Results Of the 23 samples analyzed, the average DNA concentration was 121 ng/µl (range 4–337 ng/µl) and a genomic DNA ScreenTape assay of seven samples indicated high DNA integrity values for 6 of the 7 samples (range 9.1–9.4 out of 10). Of the DNA sent for genotyping by sequencing, all proved to be of sufficient integrity to yield high-quality next-generation sequence results. We recommend this simple procedure to maximize the yield of both RNA and DNA from blood samples.

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Jason A. Ferrante, Michelle R. Giles, Emily Benzie, Margaret Hunter. 2018-08-06. A novel technique for isolating DNA from Tempus™ blood RNA tubes after RNA isolation. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3671-4

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