Q: I need a recommendation for a MagMAX kit for automated viral RNA isolation from Animal Health samples such as serum, nasal fluid, and swab samples. What would you recommend?

Cat. No. AM1836 is a good choice if you want to process 50 µL of samples. If you want to maximize the input amount and use more than that (up to 300 µL) we recommend using the MagMAX RNA/DNA Pathogen kit (Cat. No. 4462359). The buffers and reagents included in these MagMAX kits are identical, but the volumes are larger for the MagMAX Pathogen RNA/DNA kit allowing for more sample input.

Question 1

I need a recommendation for a MagMAX kit for automated viral RNA isolation from Animal Health samples such as serum, nasal fluid, and swab samples. What would you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Cat. No. AM1836 is a good choice if you want to process 50 &micro;L of samples. If you want to maximize the input amount and use more than that (up to 300 &micro;L) we recommend using the MagMAX RNA/DNA Pathogen kit (Cat. No. 4462359). The buffers and reagents included in these MagMAX kits are identical, but the volumes are larger for the MagMAX Pathogen RNA/DNA kit allowing for more sample input.

Question 2

Is the the direct lysis approach to DNA/RNA analysis applicable for extraction of viral RNA?

Accepted Answer

Some customers have isolated RNA from viruses.  Unfortunately, the protein coat could cause problems.  Another option would be to use the MagMax Viral Isolation Kit.

Question 3

Are MagMax kits compatible with RNAlater reagent-treated samples?

Accepted Answer

Only MagMax96 for Microarrays Total RNA Isolation Kit (Cat. No. AM1839) is compatible, since it uses Trizol reagent and most of the salt carry-over from RNAlater reagent is eliminated during the lysis steps and partitioned from the aqueous RNA layer on top. For other MagMax kits, optimization is needed. High salt carry over is not optimal for MagMax RNA isolation steps.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.

Question 4

Can I edit the manufactured KingFisher Flex protocols?

Accepted Answer

No, manufactured protocols are locked for editing, but they can be renamed using the &#145;save as' function and edited as a new version.

Question 5

Can I use magnetic beads from other vendors with the KingFisher Flex instrument?

Accepted Answer

For nucleic acid extraction, we recommend using our MagMAX kits and MagJET kits. Other magnetic beads should work well as long as they are 0.5 to 10 µm in size. However, you will have to write your own KingFisher protocols using the Thermo Scientific BindIt software and validate/optimize the protocol on your own.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Automated Nucleic Acid Purification Support Center.

Question 6

I am working with liquid samples with high volume and want to extract nucleic acid from them using the KingFisher Flex instrument. Can I use more volume than the protocol advises?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this can be done by sample splitting. Set the protocol so that the magnet will collect samples from multiple wells before continuing to the next step. Be sure not to overload.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Automated Nucleic Acid Purification Support Center.

Question 7

Can I scale up my reaction volume with the KingFisher Flex instrument?

Accepted Answer

Yes, reaction volumes can be scaled up, and all other volumes (i.e. wash volumes) will have to be increased by the same fold difference. It is generally not recommended to scale up reaction volumes more than 2-fold unless the plate's volume capacity will allow it.

Question 8

Are all of the Applied Biosystems MagMAX kits validated for the KingFisher Flex Magnetic Particle Processor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all MagMAX kits can be used with the KingFisher Flex Magnetic Particle Processor.

MagMAX™-96 Viral RNA Isolation Kit, 96 preps - FAQs