RNA Extraction From Fresh Blood

RNA can be extracted from blood since whole blood contains nucleated white cells that constitute an easily accessible source. RNA extraction from blood will be more successful if the nucleated white cells are first isolated from the red cells since the red cells are a rich source of ribonucleases that are able to degrade RNA. It is important to minimize degradation by following the appropriate recommendations for handling RNA. The methods of RNA extraction usually comprises of three steps which are cell lysis, partitioning of RNA into a solvent fraction, and recovery of RNA from the solvent by precipitation.