Skip to content

Solid-phase extraction

Definition

A family of methods in which DNA binds selectively to a silica membrane or magnetic bead under high-salt, low-pH conditions, is washed to remove inhibitors and proteins, and is then eluted in a low-salt buffer or water. The basis of most commercial forensic DNA extraction kits and compatible with automation platforms.

Related terms

Chelex extraction
A rapid extraction method that uses the chelating resin Chelex 100 to bind divalent metal ions and prevent nuclease activity. Cells are...
Differential extraction
A two-step DNA extraction procedure used when a stain contains both sperm cells and non-sperm epithelial cells. The first step lyses epithelial...
Organic extraction
A DNA isolation method that uses phenol and chloroform to partition proteins into the organic phase, leaving nucleic acids in the aqueous...
PCR inhibitor
A co-extracted substance that interferes with Taq polymerase activity or primer annealing. Common inhibitors in forensic samples include haemoglobin (from blood on...
Real-time PCR quantification
A method that measures the concentration of human-specific amplifiable DNA in a forensic extract by monitoring fluorescent signal accumulation during PCR in...

Explained in

Your journey to becoming a forensic professional starts here.

Practice with mock tests, learn from structured notes, and get your questions answered by a global forensic community, all in one place.