Patent ID: 6919200

Claim:
A method of DNA or RNA purification comprising: placing a DNA or RNA containing sample in a first reservoir tube with a solution to effect release of DNA or RNA from cells in said sample; inserting a wand into said first reservoir tube, wherein said wand comprises a cap, a sample collection assembly and an elongated shaft connecting said cap to said sample collection assembly, said sample collection assembly having microstructures for increasing the surface area of the sample collection assembly; securely and sealingly closing said first reservoir tube with said cap of said wand with said shaft and said sample collection assembly inside said first reservoir tube; agitating said first reservoir tube to mix said sample with said solution under conditions for releasing said DNA or RNA front cells in said sample and non-specifically binding said DNA or RNA to said microstructures of said sample collection assembly, thereby non-specifically binding said DNA or said RNA to said microstructures of said sample collection assembly; removing said wand from said first reservoir tube and inserting said wand into a second reservoir tube, said second reservoir tube containing a wash buffer; securely and sealingly closing said second reservoir tube with said cap of said wand with said shaft and said sample collection assembly inside said second reservoir tube; agitating said second reservoir tube to mix said sample with said wash buffer under conditions to retain only said DNA or said RNA on said microstructures; removing said wand front said second reservoir tube and inserting said wand into a third reservoir tube, said third reservoir tube containing an elution buffer, wherein said elution buffer causes release of said nucleic acids from said microstructures; incubating said third reservoir tube; and recovering purified DNA or RNA from said third reservoir tube.