Viral RNA isolation kits used in PCR based tests for the novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) are in short supply. Our group sought to identify a method to isolate viral RNA without the use of a kit or other supplies in high demand by clinical labs. Using a TRIzol based RNA extraction, followed by a glycogen precipitation, we are able to isolate a sufficient quality and quantity of RNA for quantitative PCR, and/or droplet digital PCR. This method has been confirmed to work as well as a viral RNA isolation kit, shown to work with SARS-Cov2 RNA-spiked into human samples, and in detecting SARS-Cov2 in known positive cases of COVID-19.
