FAQ: Can extraction of RNA with the Monarch kits be automated?

Yes. NEB has successfully automated the extraction of total RNA (including viral RNA) from saliva samples on the KingFisher^™ Flex automation platforms using the workflows for both the Monarch Total RNA Miniprep Kit (NEB #T2010) and the Monarch RNA Cleanup Kit (NEB #T2040), with some protocol modifications.  When automated on the KingFisher Flex platform, spin columns are not utilized; instead, magnetic beads (e.g. Dynabeads^® MyOne^™ Silane magnetic beads) are required. For the purpose of viral RNA extraction, when using the Monarch RNA Cleanup Kit workflow, an added step using Monarch DNA/RNA Protection Reagent (NEB #T2011), sold separately, is required. Our detailed protocols contain more information:

• Automation of RNA Extraction from Saliva Using the Monarch Total RNA Miniprep Kit
• Automation of RNA Extraction from Saliva Using the Monarch RNA Cleanup Kit