will purification processes lead to loss of RNA? - (Dec/19/2006 )

As i have learned, RNA is prone to degradation.
If the extracted RNA goes through a series of processing steps, will it lead to loss of RNA??

I have been having a lot of trouble extracting "non-degraded" RNA from animal tissues. So, I wonder if steps suggested such as phenol extraction will cause take away the minimal RNA that i have obtained

THANKS!~!~

Without meaning to insult you, are you certain there is no RNase present? Is everything DEPC-treated or nuclease-free?Do you prepare from frozen tissue with inhibitors in place?