Wastewater samples are notoriously difficult to work with as the high level of PCR inhibitors present can impact the sensitivity of virus detection downstream. The Applied Biosystems MagMAX Wastewater Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit has been developed and optimised specifically for wastewater testing to minimise the amount of PCR inhibitor and leave the way open for any form of downstream SARS-CoV-2 detection method:

• Uses MagMAX magnetic bead technology to extract high quality viral RNA in as little as 45 minutes
• Suitable for pre-concentrated wastewater or mud
• Easily automated on a Thermo Scientific Kingfisher instrument reducing processing times to just 28 mins per sample
• Compatible with all downstream pathogen detection methods

For automated concentration and isolation of viral RNA we recommend the MagMAX Wastewater Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, with Virus Enrichment. This kit combines Dynabeads and MagMAX magnetic-bead technology, for automated viral enrichment and extraction from up to 10 mL wastewater sample volumes.

Find out more about our kits for RNA isolation

Quantification of RNA after purification guarantees an accurate concentration of RNA for downstream applications saving time and money by preventing downstream experimental failures. Thermo Fisher Scientific offer two optical technologies and a range of instrument throughputs to support this:

• Spectrophotometers: UV-Vis offers a quick method for measurement of nucleic acid concentration and purity providing information on contaminants that may impact downstream analysis
• Fluorescence: uses dyes to selectively measures RNA concentration. It takes a little longer but is highly sensitive so is ideal for measuring diluted nucleic acid samples like wastewater

Explore our range of RNA quantification instruments and reagents