DNA Isolation Protocol - Qiagen
DNA Isolation Protocol - Qiagen
Sample to Insight__
Contents
Kit Contents ............................................................................................................... 4
Quality Control........................................................................................................... 6
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 7
Centrifugation ................................................................................................ 17
Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Stool for Human DNA Analysis ..................................... 18
Protocol: Using Stool Tubes for Isolation of DNA from Stool for Human DNA Analysis ...... 21
Protocol: Using Stool Tubes for Isolation of DNA from Stool for Pathogen Detection .......... 27
Buffer AL* 33 ml
Buffer ATE 12 ml
Proteinase K 1.4 ml
Quick-Start Protocol 1
* Contains chaotropic salt. Take appropriate laboratory safety measures and wear gloves when handling. Not
compatible with disinfecting agents containing bleach. See page 6 for safety information.
†
Contains sodium azide as a preservative.
QIAcube® Connect is designed to perform fully automated purification of nucleic acids and
proteins in molecular biology applications. The system is intended for use by professional users
trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of QIAcube Connect.
All due care and attention should be exercised in the handling of the products. We recommend
all users of QIAGEN® products to adhere to the NIH guidelines that have been developed for
recombinant DNA experiments or to other applicable guidelines.
CAUTION
DO NOT add bleach or acidic solutions directly to the sample-
preparation waste.
The sample-preparation waste contains guanidine hydrochloride from Buffers AL and AW1,
which can form highly reactive compounds when combined with bleach.
If liquid containing these buffers is spilt, clean with suitable laboratory detergent and water. If
the spilt liquid contains potentially infectious agents, clean the affected area first with
laboratory detergent and water, and then with 1% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite.
Quality Control
In accordance with QIAGEN’s ISO-certified Quality Management System, each lot of QIAamp
Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit is tested against predetermined specifications to ensure consistent
product quality.
The simple QIAamp spin procedure yields pure DNA ready for direct use in as little as
25 minutes. The procedure can be automated on QIAcube Connect for increased
standardization and ease of use (see page 11). Purification requires no phenol–chloroform
extraction or alcohol precipitation and involves minimal handling. DNA is eluted in low-salt
buffer and is free of protein, nucleases and other impurities or inhibitors. The purified DNA is
ready for use in PCR and other enzymatic reactions, or can be stored at –30°C to –15°C for
later use.
Stool samples typically contain many compounds that can degrade DNA and inhibit
downstream enzymatic reactions. To ensure removal of these substances, the QIAamp Fast
DNA Stool Mini Kit contains InhibitEX Buffer, which is specially formulated to separate
inhibitory substances from DNA in stool samples.
The QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit is designed for rapid purification of total DNA from up
to 220 mg stool and is suitable for both fresh and frozen samples. A special protocol is
provided for isolating DNA from larger amounts of stool. The fast and easy procedure
comprises the following steps:
The QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit is optimized for use with 180–220 mg fresh or frozen
stool, but can also be used with larger amounts of stool. Starting with larger amounts of stool
is recommended when the target DNA is not distributed homogeneously throughout the stool
and/or is at a low concentration. A larger amount of starting material will increase the
likelihood of purifying DNA from low-titer sources in stool samples. See “Protocol: Isolation of
DNA from Larger Volumes of Stool”, page 30.
The QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini protocols can also be used for samples of less than 180 mg
(e.g., forensic samples). In such cases, follow one of the standard protocols, without reducing
the amounts of buffers used.
For maximum flexibility, protocols are provided for use with samples collected in both 2 ml
microcentrifuge tubes and 15 ml stool tubes.
In the first steps of the protocol, stool samples are lysed in InhibitEX Buffer. Human cells lyse
efficiently at room temperature (15–25°C). Bacterial cells and those of other pathogens in the
stool are effectively lysed by incubating the stool homogenate at 70°C (if necessary, this
temperature can be increased to 95°C). This is recommended for detection of cells that are
difficult to lyse (e.g., some bacteria and parasites).
During lysis, DNA-degrading substances and PCR inhibitors present in the stool sample are
separated from the DNA by the InhibitEX buffer. The sample matrix is pelleted by centrifugation
and the DNA in the supernatant is purified on QIAamp Mini spin columns.
The QIAamp DNA purification procedure involves digestion of proteins, binding DNA to the
QIAamp silica membrane, washing away impurities and eluting pure DNA from the spin
column.
Proteins are digested and degraded under denaturing conditions during a 70°C incubation
with proteinase K. Buffering conditions are then adjusted to allow optimal binding of DNA to
the QIAamp membrane, and the sample is loaded onto the QIAamp spin column. DNA is
adsorbed onto the QIAamp silica membrane during a brief centrifugation step. Optimized salt
concentrations and pH conditions in the lysate ensure that remains of digested proteins and
other impurities, which can inhibit PCR and other downstream enzymatic reactions, are not
retained on the QIAamp membrane.
DNA bound to the QIAamp membrane is washed in two centrifugation steps. Optimized wash
conditions using two wash buffers ensure complete removal of any residual impurities without
affecting DNA binding.
QIAamp spin columns fit into most standard microcentrifuge tubes. Eluted DNA is collected in
standard 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes (not provided).
Purification of DNA can be fully automated on QIAcube Connect or the classic QIAcube. The
innovative QIAcube instruments use advanced technology to process QIAGEN spin columns,
enabling seamless integration of automated, low-throughput sample prep into your laboratory
workflow. Sample preparation using QIAcube instruments follows the same steps as the
manual procedure (i.e., lyse, bind, wash and elute), enabling you to continue using the
QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit for purification of high-quality DNA.
QIAcube instruments are preinstalled with protocols for purification of plasmid DNA, genomic
DNA, RNA, viral nucleic acids and proteins, plus DNA and RNA cleanup. The range of
protocols available is continually expanding, and additional QIAGEN protocols can be
downloaded free of charge at www.qiagen.com/qiacubeprotocols.
Ethanol (96–100%)*
1.5 ml and 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes (e.g., Eppendorf Safe-Lock, cat. no.
0030120.094 or Sarstedt Safe-Seal, cat. no. 72.695)†
Pipet tips (pipet tips with aerosol barriers for preventing cross-contamination are
recommended)
Microcentrifuge (with rotor for 2 ml tubes)
Thermomixer with 2ml inlays or a water bath for incubation at 70°C
Spatula (e.g., Sarstedt cat. no. 81.970)†
Vortexer
Ice
Stool tubes (for easier measurement of stool samples, stool tubes with integrated measuring
spoons in their lids are available, e.g., Sarstedt cat. no. 80.734 or Böttger cat. no.
07.023.2007 and 07.033.2007).
* Do not use denatured alcohol, which contains other substances, such as methanol or methylethylketone.
†
This is not a complete list of suppliers and does not include many important vendors of biological supplies.
Mix InhibitEX Buffer thoroughly by shaking. If a precipitate has formed, incubate at 37–70°C
until it has fully dissolved.
InhibitEX Buffer will exhibit a color change (orange) during storage; this does not affect the
functionality of the buffer.
Mix Buffer AL thoroughly by shaking before use. If a precipitate has formed, incubate at 70°C
until it has fully dissolved.
Buffer AW1 is supplied as a concentrate. Before using for the first time, add 25 ml ethanol
(96–100%) as indicated on the bottle.
Buffer AW1 is stable for 1 year when stored closed at room temperature.
* Contains chaotropic salt. Take appropriate laboratory safety measure and wear gloves when handling. Not
compatible with disinfecting agents that contain bleach. See page 7 for safety information.
Buffer AW2 is supplied as a concentrate. Before using for the first time, add 30 ml ethanol
(96–100%) to Buffer AW2 concentrate as indicated on the bottle.
Buffer AW2 is stable for 1 year when stored closed at room temperature.
Owing to the sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification technologies, the following precautions
are necessary when handling QIAamp Mini spin columns to avoid cross-contamination
between samples.
Carefully apply the sample or solution to the QIAamp Mini spin column. Pipet the sample
into the QIAamp Mini spin column without moistening the rim of the column.
Change pipet tips between all liquid transfers. The use of aerosol-barrier pipet tips is
recommended.
Avoid touching the QIAamp membrane with the pipet tip.
To avoid cross-contamination, we recommend briefly centrifuging the microcentrifuge
tubes after each vortexing step to remove drops from the inside of the lid.
Wear gloves throughout the entire procedure. In case of contact between gloves and
sample, change gloves immediately.
Close the QIAamp Mini spin column before placing it in the microcentrifuge. Centrifuge
as described.
Remove the QIAamp Mini spin column and collection tube from the microcentrifuge.
Place the QIAamp Mini spin column in a new collection tube. Discard the filtrate and the
collection tube. Please note that the filtrate may contain hazardous substances and
should be disposed of appropriately.
Open only one QIAamp Mini spin column at a time, and take care to avoid generating
aerosols.
For efficient parallel processing of multiple samples, fill a rack with collection tubes to
which the QIAamp Mini spin columns can be transferred after centrifugation. Discard
used collection tubes containing the filtrate and place the new collection tubes containing
the QIAamp Mini spin columns directly into the microcentrifuge.
QIAamp Mini spin columns fit into most standard 1.5 and 2 ml microcentrifuge tubes.
Additional 2 ml collection tubes are available separately.
All centrifugation steps should be carried out at room temperature (15–25°C) at 20,000 x g
(approximately 14,000 rpm). Increase the centrifugation time proportionately if your
centrifuge cannot provide 20,000 x g (e.g., instead of centrifuging for 5 minutes at
20,000 x g, centrifuge for 10 minutes at 10,000 x g).
Prepare a thermomixer with 2 ml inlays or a water bath at 70°C for use in step 7
Redissolve any precipitates in Buffer AL and InhibitEX Buffer by incubating at 37–70°C
Add ethanol to Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 concentrates
Mix all buffers before use
Procedure
1. Weigh 180–220 mg stool in a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube (not provided) and place tube
on ice.
This protocol is optimized for use with 180–220 mg stool but can also be used with
smaller amounts. There is no need to reduce the amounts of buffers when using smaller
amounts of stool. For samples >220 mg, see “Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Larger
Volumes of Stool”, page 30.
If the sample is liquid, pipet 200 µl into the microcentrifuge tube. Cut the end of the pipet
tip to make pipetting easier.
Lysis conditions in this protocol are optimized to increase the ratio of human DNA to nonhuman
DNA. Nonhuman DNA is not excluded by this protocol.
Prepare a thermomixer with 2 ml inlays or a water bath at 70°C for use in step 8
Redissolve any precipitates in Buffer AL and InhibitEX Buffer by incubating at 37–70°C.
Add ethanol to Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 concentrates
Mix all buffers before use
Procedure
1. Use the spoon integrated in the cap of a stool tube (not provided) to measure 180–220 mg
of the stool sample. A level spoonful will correspond to approximately 200 mg stool.
Close the tube and place it on ice.
A spatula should be used to remove excess stool from the spoon.
For detection of cells that are difficult to lyse, such as Gram-positive bacteria, the lysis
temperature in step 3 can be increased to 95°C, if necessary.
All centrifugation steps should be carried out at room temperature (15–25°C) at
20,000 x g (approximately 14,000 rpm). Increase the centrifugation time
proportionately if your centrifuge cannot provide 20,000 x g (e.g., instead of
centrifuging for 5 min at 20,000 x g, centrifuge for 10 min at 10,000 x g).
Prepare a thermomixer with 2 ml inlays or a water bath at 70°C for use in steps 3 and 8.
Redissolve any precipitates in Buffer AL and InhibitEX Buffer by incubating at 37–70°C.
Add ethanol to Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 concentrates.
Mix all buffers before use.
Procedure
100 mg
1. Weigh 180–220 mg stool in a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube (not provided) and place tube
on ice.
This protocol is optimized for use with 180–220 mg stool but can also be used with
smaller amounts. There is no need to reduce the amounts of buffers when using smaller
amounts of stool. For samples >220 mg, see “Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Larger
Volumes of Stool”, page 30.
Lysis conditions in this protocol are optimized to increase the ratio of nonhuman DNA to human
DNA. Human DNA is not excluded by this procedure.
For detection of cells that are difficult to lyse, such as Gram-positive bacteria, the lysis
temperature in step 3 can be increased to 95°C, if necessary.
All centrifugation steps should be carried out at room temperature (15–25°C) at
20,000 x g (approximately 14,000 rpm). Increase the centrifugation time
proportionately if your centrifuge cannot provide 20,000 x g (e.g., instead of
centrifuging for 5 min at 20,000 x g, centrifuge for 10 min at 10,000 x g).
Prepare a thermomixer with 2 ml inlays or a water bath at 70°C for use in steps 4 and
9.
Redissolve any precipitates in Buffer AL and InhibitEX Buffer by incubating at 37–70°C.
Add ethanol to Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 concentrates.
Mix all buffers before use.
1. Use the spoon integrated in the cap of a stool tube (not provided) to measure 180–220 mg
of the stool sample. A level spoonful will correspond to approximately 200 mg stool.
Close the tube and place it on ice.
A spatula should be used to remove excess stool from the spoon.
2. Add 2 ml InhibitEX Buffer to each stool sample. Vortex continuously for 1 min or until the
stool sample is thoroughly homogenized.
Note: It is important to vortex the samples thoroughly. This helps ensure maximum DNA
concentration in the final eluate. After InhibitEX Buffer has been added, all the following
steps can be carried out at room temperature (15–25°C).
3. Pipet 1.2 ml of the stool lysate into a labeled 2 ml microcentrifuge tube (not provided).
Cut the ends off the pipet tips to make pipetting viscous samples easier.
4. Heat the suspension for 5 min at 70°C. Vortex for 15 s.
This heating step helps to lyse bacteria and other parasites. The lysis temperature can be
increased to 95°C for cells that are difficult to lyse (such as Gram-positive bacteria).
5. Centrifuge sample at full speed for 1 min to pellet stool particles.
IMPORTANT: Do not transfer any solid material. If particles are still visible in the
supernatant, centrifuge the sample again.
6. Pipet 15 µl proteinase K into a new 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube (not provided).
7. Pipet 200 µl supernatant from step 5 into the 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube containing
proteinase K.
8. Add 200 µl Buffer AL and vortex for 15 s.
Note: Do not add proteinase K directly to Buffer AL. It is essential that the sample and
Buffer AL are thoroughly mixed to form a homogeneous solution.
9. Incubate at 70°C for 10 min.
Centrifuge briefly to remove drops from the inside of the tube lid (optional).
Ensure that Buffers AW1 and AW2 have been prepared according to the instructions on
the labels.
Mix all buffers before use.
If a precipitate has formed in InhibitEx Buffer or AL, dissolve by incubating at 37–70°C.
All centrifugation steps should be carried out at room temperature (15–25°C) at
20,000 x g (approximately 14,000 rpm). Increase the centrifugation time
proportionately if your centrifuge cannot provide 20,000 x g (e.g., instead of
centrifuging for 5 min at 20,000 x g, centrifuge for 10 min at 10,000 x g).
Procedure
1. Weigh the stool sample and add 10 volumes of InhibitEx Buffer (e.g., add 10 ml
InhibitEx buffer to 1 g stool).
If necessary, additional InhibitEx Buffer can be purchased separately (see Ordering
Information on page Error! Bookmark not defined.).
2. Vortex vigorously for 1 min or until the stool sample is thoroughly homogenized.
Note: It is important to vortex the samples thoroughly. This helps ensure maximum DNA
concentration in the final eluate.
c) Insufficient mixing Repeat the DNA purification procedure with a new sample.
with Buffer AL Be sure to mix the sample and Buffer AL immediately and
thoroughly by pulse-vortexing.
f) DNA not eluted To increase elution efficiency, pipet Buffer ATE onto the
efficiently QIAamp spin column and incubate the column for 5 min at
room temperature (15–25°C) before centrifugation.
g) Buffer AW1 or Check that Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 concentrates were
Buffer AW2 diluted with correct volumes of pure ethanol. Repeat the
prepared purification procedure with a new sample.
incorrectly
h) Buffer AW1 or Check that Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 concentrates were
Buffer AW2 diluted with 96–100% ethanol. Repeat the purification
prepared with 70% procedure with a new sample.
ethanol
i) Buffer AW1 and Ensure that Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 are used in the
Buffer AW2 used correct order in the protocol. Add 200 µl Buffer AL and
in the wrong order 200 µl ethanol to the eluate, and continue with step 10 of
“Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Stool for Pathogen
Detection“ (page 24).
a) Too much DNA The QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit purifies total DNA,
used in which could originate from many different organisms present
downstream in the original stool sample (e.g., human, animal, plant,
reaction bacterial). If the amount of total DNA is too high, PCR could
be inhibited by excess total DNA. Reduce the amount of
eluate used in the downstream reaction if possible.
b) Inefficient lysis of The amount of target DNA in the eluate may be low if the
target cells target cells are difficult to lyse, as is the case with some
bacteria and parasites. In future preparations, increase lysis
temperature to 95°C and/or incubation time as required.
c) Not enough DNA Check “Little or no DNA in the eluate” for possible reasons.
in eluate
d) Inhibitory See “A260/A280 ratio for purified nucleic acids is low” for
substances in possible reasons. Bring the eluate volume to 200 µl if
preparation necessary, and repeat the purification procedure from step 5
of “Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Stool for Pathogen
Detection“ (page 28).
e) Residual Buffer Add 200 µl Buffer AL and 200 µl ethanol to the eluate, and
AW2 in the eluate continue with step 10 of “Protocol: Isolation of DNA from
Stool for Pathogen Detection“ (page 28).
f) Buffer AW1 and Ensure that Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 are used in the
Buffer AW2 used correct order in the protocol. Add 200 µl Buffer AL and
in the wrong order 200 µl ethanol to the eluate, and continue with step 10 of
“Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Stool for Pathogen
Detection“ (page 28).
a) Too much DNA The QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit purifies total DNA,
used in which could originate from many different organisms present
downstream in the original stool sample (e.g., human, animal, plant,
reaction bacterial). If the amount of total DNA is too high, PCR could
be inhibited by excess total DNA. Reduce the amount of
eluate used in the downstream reaction if possible.
b) Inefficient lysis of The amount of target DNA in the eluate may be low if the
target cells target cells are difficult to lyse, as is the case with some
bacteria and parasites. In future preparations, increase lysis
temperature to 95°C and/or incubation time as required.
c) Not enough DNA Check “Little or no DNA in the eluate” for possible reasons.
in eluate
d) Inhibitory See “A260/A280 ratio for purified nucleic acids is low” for
substances in possible reasons. Bring the eluate volume to 200 µl if
preparation necessary, and repeat the purification procedure from step 5
of “Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Stool for Pathogen
Detection“ (page 28).
e) Residual Buffer Add 200 µl Buffer AL and 200 µl ethanol to the eluate, and
AW2 in the eluate continue with step 10 of “Protocol: Isolation of DNA from
Stool for Pathogen Detection“ (page 28).
f) Buffer AW1 and Ensure that Buffer AW1 and Buffer AW2 are used in the
Buffer AW2 used correct order in the protocol. Add 200 µl Buffer AL and 200
in the wrong order µl ethanol to the eluate, and continue with step 10 of
“Protocol: Isolation of DNA from Stool for Pathogen
Detection“ (page 28).
i) Reduced sensitivity Determine the maximum volume of eluate suitable for your
of amplification amplification reaction. Reduce or increase the volume of
reaction eluate added to the reaction.
a) A precipitate may In most cases, the precipitate will dissolve during incubation
form upon addition at 70°C. The precipitates do not interfere with the QIAamp
of Buffer AL procedure or with any subsequent application.
b) A precipitate may In most cases, the precipitate will dissolve after vortexing
form upon addition immediately following its appearance. The precipitates do
of ethanol not interfere with the QIAamp procedure or with any
subsequent application.
General handling
a) Lysate not Centrifuge for 1 min at full speed or until all the lysate has
completely passed passed through the membrane.
through silica
membrane
DNA yields are determined from the concentration of DNA in the eluate, measured by
absorbance at 260 nm. Purity is determined by calculating the ratio of absorbance at 260 nm
to absorbance at 280 nm. Pure DNA has an A260/A280 ratio of 1.7–1.9. Absorbance readings
at 260 nm should lie between 0.1 and 1.0 to be accurate.
Sample dilution should be adjusted accordingly. Use elution buffer or water (as appropriate)
to dilute samples and to calibrate the spectrophotometer. Measure the absorbance at 260 and
280 nm, or scan absorbance from 220–320 nm (a scan will show if there are other factors
affecting absorbance at 260 nm). Both DNA and RNA are measured with a
spectrophotometer. To measure only DNA, a fluorometer must be used.
The length of genomic DNA can be determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)
through an agarose gel. The DNA should be concentrated by alcohol* precipitation and
reconstituted by gentle agitation in approximately 30 µl TE buffer, pH 8.0,* for at least
30 minutes at 60°C. Avoid drying the DNA pellet for more than 10 min at room temperature
(15–25°C) since over-dried genomic DNA is very difficult to redissolve. Load 3–5 µg DNA per
well. Standard PFGE conditions are as follows:
* When working with chemicals, always wear a suitable lab coat, disposable gloves and protective goggles. For more
information, consult the appropriate material safety data sheets (MSDSs), available from the product supplier.
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For up-to-date licensing information and product-specific disclaimers, see the respective
QIAGEN kit handbook or user manual. QIAGEN kit handbooks and user manuals are
available at www.qiagen.com or can be requested from QIAGEN Technical Services or your
local distributor.
February 2020 Updated text, ordering information and intended use for QIAcube Connect.
Trademarks: QIAGEN®, Sample to Insight®, QIAamp®, QIAcube®, InhibitEX® (QIAGEN Group). Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when
not specifically marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law.
44
HB-1764-002 QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Handbook 02/2020