Buffer RLT

A lysis buffer from QIAGEN is used for lysing cells and tissues prior to RNA isolation, and can also support simultaneous RNA/DNA/protein isolation. The buffer contains a high concentration of guanidine isothiocyanate, which supports the binding of RNA to the silica membrane, and is a proprietary component of RNeasy Kits. Its exact composition is confidential. Before use, β-mercaptoethanol should be added to the buffer to effectively inactivate RNases in the lysate (10 µl β-mercaptoethanol per 1 ml Buffer RLT). For RNeasy Plus or AllPrep DNA/RNA procedures, Buffer RLT Plus should be used instead. Used buffer should be disposed of according to institutional waste-disposal guidelines; bleach or acidic solutions should not be added directly to the sample-preparation waste, as the guanidine hydrochloride it contains can form highly reactive compounds when combined with bleach.