Assessing the Quality and Quantity of DNA Isolated from Coagulated Blood Samples using Five Extraction Methods

Abstract

Blood DNA extraction is one of the vital steps in various DNA-based analyses. However, one of the challenges is processing clotted blood samples. Oftentimes these protocols are time consuming and use hazardous organic solvents. Many researchers have also resorted to commercial kits to circumvent the need to optimise different methods. However, manual methods may need to be employed due to cost consideration. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess various extraction methods to determine the best method that can yield DNA of high quality, integrity, and purity, and the most efficient method in terms of cost and time. Samples of coagulated and un-coagulated blood were collected and extracted using four published manual methods and a commercial kit. The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA were analysed using gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. DNA extracted using a method proposed by Moradi et al. (2014) [1] yielded the highest quantity and purest DNA, while being simple, fast, safe, and the most economical.

Keywords: DNA; extraction; genomic DNA; clotted blood, PCR