I want to isolate DNA and RNA from faecal and blood samples in order to determine which pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites...) are present in the samples. I currently have one PCR workstation with a HEPA filter. Nevertheless, in order to separate the DNA isolation process from the RNA one, I am planning to buy a new PCR workstation, but the price difference with or without HEPA filter is huge and would compromise the purchase of other necessary equipment. I know it would be great to get the one with HEPA filter, but is it indispensable? Please bear in mind that a UV-lamp would be included in the cabinet no matter which one I choose.
Dear Pardinillia,
RNA extraction area should, as per your understanding too, be ideally separate from any other lab space and must be processed in aspectic conditions.
For DNA extraction, your use case doesn't require a HEPA filter based workstation. If you were to further use that DNA for culturing purposes then that would have become imperative.
Hope it helps
Happy sciencing!
Thank you very much Mr Singh for your reply, it definitely helps!
Hi,
in the end it is important WHY you want to protect you sample. Do you protect it because you are afraid to degrade it or do you protect it to preven tany bias coming from the operators DNA intake?
In general we do not use Hepa filtered workstations for the nucleic acid prep, but take extra care for microbiome sample to prevent intake for the operator.
In our hands automation is good to prevent intake, otherwise just try to remove the obvious intake sources (e.g. think about using a face shield to prevent your repsiratory microbiome to get into the samples)
Good luck!
Sven
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