The NucleoMag DNA Swab kit enables manual or automated purification of genomic DNA from swab specimens using proven NucleoMag magnetic bead technology. NucleoMag DNA Swab can isolate human and/or microbial gDNA from cotton swabs and synthetic swabs (e.g., flocked swabs). It is designed for isolation of gDNA from common epithelial surfaces, including dental, nasopharyngeal, and vaginal swabs as well as other samples, such as cigarette filters and dried blood spots.After sample lysis with Proteinase K, gDNA is purified from 300 µl of sample. The entire NucleoMag DNA Swab protocol can be automated on common liquid handling platforms.

To simplify the separation of swab material from lysate, the kit can be combined with NucleoSpin Forensic Filters or the NucleoSpin Trace Filter Plate (please note that the NucleoSpin Trace Filter Plate requires additional material for operating under vacuum or centrifugation). The NucleoMag DNA Swab kit can be used either manually or on automated liquid handling instruments (such as Hamilton, Tecan and Eppendorf platforms) and magnetic separators (such as the KingFisher Duo and Flex).

The NucleoMag product family is based on magnetic bead technology. Nucleic acids are bound to the magnetic beads under chaotropic salt conditions, contaminants are washed away with ethanolic wash buffers, and pure DNA can be eluted from the beads using elution buffer. NucleoMag technology can be easily adapted to common laboratory automation platforms. It can be used either with static-pin separators (e.g., NucleoMag SEP) or magnetic separators integrated into robotic workstations.

Over thirty human pathogens have been isolated from swabs with the NucleoMag DNA Swab kit and successfully detected by qPCR, including:

Note:An additional pre-digestion step with Lysis Buffer FLB and Liquid Proteinase K significantly improves the lysis of some pathogens—particularly yeast—and may be required for positive results.