The NucleoSpin 8/96 Virus kits are designed for the rapid and simultaneous preparation of viral RNA or DNA from serum, plasma, or any cell-free biological fluid. The kits allow reliable purification of viral RNA or DNA without cross-contamination. NucleoSpin 8 Virus and NucleoSpin 96 Virus are primarily designed for manual use in a centrifuge. NucleoSpin 8/96 Virus Core Kits allow for more variation and higher flexibility in the consumables used for lysis, washing, and elution, and are primarily recommended for manual or automated vacuum use.

With the NucleoSpin 8/96 Virus method, RNA viruses are lysed quickly and efficiently using a lysis buffer which is a highly concentrated solution of GITC. DNA viruses (e.g., HBV) are usually more difficult to isolate and require digestion of samples with Proteinase K. The lysis buffer plus ethanol creates the appropriate conditions for binding of nucleic acids to the silica membrane of the NucleoSpin Virus Binding Strips or Plate. Carrier RNA included in the lysis buffer improves the binding and recovery of low-concentration viral RNA/DNA. Contaminants (potential PCR inhibitors) such as salts, metabolites, and soluble macromolecular cellular components are removed in washing steps with ethanolic wash buffers. The purified viral RNA or DNA can be eluted in low-salt buffer or water and is ready to use in downstream applications such as RT-PCR and PCR.