Nucleic acid detection steps and equipment

Part1 Sampling and extraction of nucleic acid

Currently, nucleic acid detection is provided in most parts of the world. So, what steps do nucleic acid detection go through? Generally speaking, nucleic acid detection can be divided into three main steps: sampling, extraction and detection. The sampling and extraction process and the instruments needed in this process as below:

The first step is sampling. At present, the commonly used sampling method is pharynx and nasal swab sampling. Specifically, use a swab to wipe the secretions, which were distributed in the pharynx and tonsil, or around the nasal cavity. And then put it in the virus sampling tube to keep a sample.

Virus sampling tubes are generally divided into inactivated and non-inactivated types. Both have their own advantages. The inactivated virus sampling tube will destroy the protein and only retain the nucleic acid part, which can protect the inspector from virus infection. The non-inactivated virus sampling tube retains the virus itself, which can ensure the integrity of the virus sample nucleic acid during the submit for inspection process and make the detection result more accurate.

The second step is extraction. To extract the genetic material stored in the virus sampling tube, the nucleic acid extraction system is generally used.

Take the BIOBASE nucleic acid extraction system as an example. Its extraction principle is to destroy the cell wall, make the nucleic acid flow out of the virus body, and use magnetic beads to adsorb the nucleic acid.

The magnetic bead method has two methods: bottom magnetic and transfer magnetic. The detection speed is generally 16 or 96 samples per plate at a time, and the fastest detection speed is only takes 10 to 20 minutes.

In addition to the nucleic acid extraction system, magnetic rods, sampling tube sleeves, and deep well plates are also needed when extracting. These consumables are included in our pre-packaged reagent packs, so customers only need to purchase our reagent packs instead of separately purchasing consumables.