New Covaris Process Enables Accurate, NGS-Grade RNA Extraction from FFPE Tissue Samples

Covaris, Inc. has introduced the truXTRAC FFPE RNA Kit. This newest innovation from Covaris extracts high quality RNA, suitable for Next Gen Sequencing (NGS), from FFPE tissue samples. NGS-quality is achieved by the use of Covaris’ patented Adaptive Focused Acoustics® (AFA) Technology matched with an optimized reagent system. The truXTRAC FFPE RNA extraction method utilizes the highly controlled, focused acoustic energy to remove paraffin from Fixed-Formalin, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples without the use of organic solvents; enabling efficient and rapid tissue rehydration, tissue digestion, crosslink reversal, and nucleic acid release.

As a result of this advanced methodology, the truXTRAC FFPE RNA Kit provides increased yield of high quality RNA which is readily available for complex molecular biology assays. For example, improved amplificability is a key attribute for efficient NGS library construction and the truXTRAC FFPE RNA method results in higher quality sequencing metrics and enables new clinical applications.

Covaris CEO, Jim Laugharn, commented, “Transcriptome analysis is becoming a routine tool for assessing disease progression. Clinical laboratories are relying on FFPE-extracted RNA at a rapidly increasing rate but the poor quality of RNA derived from traditional extraction methods renders it inappropriate for clinical use. The Covaris process for accurate RNA extraction is uniquely positioned to match the sensitivity and analytical requirements of clinical applications, especially for next-generation sequencing”.

Clinical tissue samples are often stabilized in FFPE blocks to retain the histology with biochemical analysis being a secondary concern. The extreme formaldehyde fixation and harsh tissue dehydration of FFPE-preserved tissue sections has previously presented a technical challenge to precise, accurate RNA extraction for use in RNA-Seq with NGS. Additionally, the process created lengthy turn-around times and complicated workflows in a clinical laboratory setting. The truXTRAC FFPE RNA Kit from Covaris advances sample preparation technology and provides the reliable, reproducible, and rapid methodology required by clinical laboratories.