Methods and materials are disclosed for rapid and simple extraction and
isolation of RNA from a biological sample involving the use of an acidic
solution and a solid phase binding material that has the ability to
liberate nucleic acids from biological samples, including whole blood,
without first performing any preliminary lysis to disrupt cells or
viruses. No detergents or chaotropic substances for lysing cells or
viruses are needed or used. Viral, bacterial and mammalian genomic RNA
can be isolated using the method of the invention. RNA isolated by the
present method is suitable for use in downstream processes such as
RT-PCR.