gDNA Extraction from Whole Blood

Extraction of genomic DNA (gDNA) from whole blood is the first step in multiple translational research and molecular diagnostics applications, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), multiplex PCR, qPCR, and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). For example, DNA from whole blood is frequently used as a matched-control for solid tumor somatic mutation profiling and for the detection of clinically-relevant variants in hematological malignancies. An increasing number of clinical studies demonstrate the value of detecting disease-specific biomarkers from blood for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and cohort study recruitment. These extractions can be challenging because many of the current, most commonly used extraction methods require high volumes of blood to achieve the desired yield.

There are various whole blood DNA extraction methods available and each has their own benefits and drawbacks. Phenol and chloroform are two chemicals used in the oldest approaches to whole blood extraction. The use of these harsh chemicals has the possibility of being carried through to the final extraction, which can cause complications for downstream applications.

Covaris has developed a workflow for high-throughput, low volume extraction from whole blood, streamlining the blood extraction workflow while also eliminating the possibilities for downstream complications. This workflow is powered by the proprietary technology Adaptive Focused Acoustics, AFA, that has become known as the Gold Standard for DNA and RNA shearing in conjunction with an AFA-TUBE plate.

We have found that, following the protocol developed, there are strong advantages to using AFA-enhanced cell lysis and lysate homogenization for extraction and purification of DNA from whole blood. For example, the use of the AFA-TUBE allows the entire workflow to be performed in the same consumable.