the way of viral RNA isolation from serum - (Aug/02/2006 )

hello:)
I need some help, I have to extract viral RNA from blood or serum. I'm wondering if I can use TRIreagent to do this. I have TRIreagent protocol but there is only talk about tissue and monolayer cells. Do you think I can try it with serum? any experiences? Or I should buy special kit for example QIAamp viral RNA kit?

thanks in advance!

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I have not tried TRIreagent but successfully done with Qiagen Blood Kit for DNA or Viral RNA Kit and with Macherey Nagel RNA Virus Kit, they all work good.

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do you think is worth to do this with serum frozen in -20°C, or it should be done in -80°C?

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I would give it a try, my sera are also frozen at -20°C. -80°C is better, but for short time storage it should be o.k., at least, I hope so

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thank you for advice!
well, I tried with serum but after reverse trancription there was nothing on the gel:(. so maybe i lost my RNA during isolation:( or trireagent is not good for RNA isolation from serum.
anywhay, thank for answering my questions

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