QIAzol Lysis Reagent (200 ml)

From QIAGEN, this molecular biology reagent is a monophasic solution of phenol and guanidine thiocyanate designed to facilitate efficient lysis of fatty tissues and to inhibit RNases during RNA purification workflows. Tissue samples are disrupted and homogenized directly in the reagent. After addition of chloroform, the homogenate is separated by centrifugation into aqueous and organic phases, with RNA partitioning to the upper aqueous phase, DNA to the interphase, and proteins to the lower organic phase. RNA is then precipitated from the aqueous phase with isopropanol, pelleted, washed with ethanol and redissolved in RNase-free water.

The reagent is shipped at ambient temperature and can be stored at room temperature (15–25°C) or at 2–8°C, remaining stable for at least 12 months under these conditions. Lysed samples may be stored at –70°C for at least one month. Each lot is quality-controlled against predetermined specifications under QIAGEN's ISO-certified Quality Management System. The product contains a guanidine salt and is not compatible with disinfectants containing bleach; sample-preparation waste should not be mixed directly with bleach or acidic solutions. Tungsten carbide beads must not be used for tissue disruption, as they react with the reagent.

QIAGEN recommends cleanup of the redissolved RNA using RNeasy Kits, based on silica-membrane technology, to remove any contaminating phenol that could otherwise lead to overestimation of RNA yield and inhibition of downstream enzymatic reactions. Where sensitive downstream applications such as real-time RT-PCR are planned, residual genomic DNA can be removed by DNase digestion, followed by cleanup with RNeasy Kits. The reagent is intended for molecular biology applications and has not been validated for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease, nor for prognostic, therapeutic or blood banking use, either alone or in combination with other products.