A simple workflow allows the purification of high-quality DNA and RNA from the same stool sample (see flowchart “
AllPrep PowerFecal DNA/RNA Kit procedure”).
Stool samples are first homogenized followed by a combined chemical and mechanical lysis using prefilled lysis tubes. Inhibitors commonly present in stool samples are then removed before isolation of nucleic acids. Genomic DNA is first immobilized on a silica membrane while RNA molecules pass through. This flow-through is applied to a different column to specifically bind RNA. The bound DNA and RNA, respectively, are further washed and eluted to yield the different nucleic acids in separate eluates. Optional on-column DNase and RNase digestion can further eliminate any traces of cross-contaminating nucleic acids, if required.