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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Preparation of Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Tissue Cores for both RNA and DNA Extraction
Published on: August 21, 2016
Comparison of eight commercially available kits for DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues
Anna Janecka1, Agnieszka Adamczyk1, Anna Gasińska1
1Department of Applied Radiobiology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Centre and Institute of Oncology, Krakow Branch, 31-115 Krakow, Poland.
Abstract:
A proper extraction method from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks is essential to obtain DNA of satisfactory quality/quantity. We compared the effectiveness of eight commercially available kits for DNA extraction based on 10 FFPE tissues. Kits differed significantly in terms of DNA yield, purity, and quality. Using the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit (Qiagen) and the ReliaPrep FFPE gDNA Miniprep System (Promega), we obtained DNA of the highest quality and acceptable quantity. We also demonstrated that overnight digestion of samples usually improved DNA yield and/or purity. For precious or limited material, double elution is recommended for obtaining up to 42% higher amount of DNA.

