Ambion's MagMAX™ Viral RNA Isolation kits have been optimized for use with biological fluids and cell-free samples such as serum, plasma, swabs, and cell culture media. RNA isolation from cell-free samples presents some unique challenges compared to RNA isolation from tissues or cultured cells. These include low viral titers, large volumes to be processed, and sample complexity. Also, the procedure must be compatible with real-time qRT-PCR. The MagMAX™ Viral RNA isolation kits address all of these issues, without the need for organic solvents or RNA precipitation, eliminating the problems often encountered with filter-based RNA isolation methods such as clogging, large elution volumes, and inconsistent yields.
• More effective recovery of viral RNA and DNA from diverse sample types
• Improved qRT-PCR results
• Ideal when working with low viral concentrations
• Improved yields and reproducibility

MagMAX™ Viral RNA Isolation Kit
The improved version of the MagMAX™ Viral RNA Isolation Kit provides better viral particle lysis and more effective recovery of both viral RNA and DNA from a variety of cell-free biological samples, including plasma, sera, and swabs. The results of these changes are improved yields and reproducibility.

The MagMAX™ Viral RNA Isolation Kit can efficiently isolate viral RNA and DNA from samples as large as 400 μl. RNA and DNA recovery is typically greater than 75%, but may vary depending on sample type. The RNA recovered with the kit is of high quality and purity and is suitable for real-time RT-PCR.

For a NVSL-validated version of this kit, please see MagMAX™ AI/ND Viral RNA Isolation Kit.

Accessory Products
Lysis/Binding Solution Concentrate, Wash Solution 1 Concentrate, Wash Solution 2 Concentrate, and Carrier RNA are components of the MagMAX™ Viral RNA Isolation Kits that may also be purchased separately.

Additional Processing Plates and Lids: we recommend 96-well plates and lids from Phenix Research Products (#MPU-8117, #MPE-8019).

Benefits of Magnetic Bead-based Isolation
Magnetic beads offer many benefits for isolating RNA from cells and viral RNA from cell-free samples. Ambion’s MagMAX™technology binds RNA more efficiently than glass fiber filter methods resulting in higher RNA yields. The RNA yields are more consistent, both from experiment to experiment, and over a broad range of sample sizes. MagMAX™magnetic bead technology eliminates filter clogging due to cellular particulates in samples. Since only a small volume of magnetic beads is needed for high efficiency binding, the bound RNA can be eluted in just 20–50 μl of nuclease free water. This makes the MagMAX™ magnetic bead technology extremely useful for concentrating RNA from large, dilute samples.