The usage methods of automatic nucleic acid extraction kits 

The usage methods of automatic nucleic acid extraction kits may vary depending on different brands and specific technical principles, but generally include the following basic steps:

1. Preparation work:
   • Check the kit: Check whether the automatic nucleic acid extraction kit is within the expiration date and whether the packaging is intact, ensuring that there are no missing or damaged reagents, consumables, etc. inside.
   • Prepare the instrument: Prepare the matching automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument, carry out start – up preheating and other preparatory work according to the operation manual of the instrument, and ensure that the instrument is in normal working condition.
   • Prepare for protection: Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and goggles, to prevent contamination and injury to themselves from samples and reagents.
   • Sample processing: If the sample is blood, tissue, etc., pretreatment is required. For example, centrifuge the blood sample and take the upper – layer serum or plasma; grind and homogenize the tissue sample to make it into a uniform liquid state.
2. Sample addition:
   • Open the kit: Open the automatic nucleic acid extraction kit carefully to avoid reagent splashing or contamination.
   • Add samples: According to the requirements of the kit, accurately add the processed samples to the specified positions of the kit, such as sample wells or loading slots. Note that the amount of samples added should comply with the regulations of the kit, avoiding too much or too little.
3. Reagent addition:
   • Add lysis buffer: Add an appropriate amount of lysis buffer to the sample. The role of the lysis buffer is to break the structure of cells or viruses and release the nucleic acids inside. After adding the lysis buffer, gently shake or stir to make the sample fully mixed with the lysis buffer.
   • Add other reagents: According to the requirements of the kit, other reagents such as proteinase K, buffers, and ethanol may also need to be added. These reagents have different functions. For example, proteinase K can degrade proteins and promote the release of nucleic acids; buffers can maintain the pH of the reaction system; ethanol can help precipitate nucleic acids.
4. Extraction with the instrument:
   • Put the kit into the instrument: Correctly place the kit with samples and reagents added into the automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument, ensuring that the kit matches well with the card slots or fixing devices of the instrument to avoid displacement or loosening during operation.
   • Set parameters: Set corresponding extraction parameters on the automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument according to the sample type and the requirements of the kit, such as extraction time, temperature, rotation speed, etc. If the instrument has preset programs, directly select the appropriate program.
   • Start extraction: After confirming that the parameter settings are correct, start the automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument to begin the nucleic acid extraction process. During the extraction process, the instrument will automatically complete steps such as sample lysis, nucleic acid adsorption, washing, and elution.
5. Obtain results:
   • Completion of extraction: Wait for the automatic nucleic acid extraction instrument to complete the extraction process. Generally, the instrument will have a prompt sound or indicator light to show that the extraction is completed.
   • Collect nucleic acids: Take out the kit from the instrument and collect the extracted nucleic acid solution into a suitable container, such as a centrifuge tube or micro – plate. If further detection or analysis of the nucleic acids is required, the collected nucleic acid solution can be stored or directly used for subsequent experiments.