Patent ID: 7585631

Claim:
A method for obtaining purified RNA from viable oocysts, the method comprising the steps of: a) centrifuging a fluid sample containing oocysts at a speed and for a period of time sufficient to concentrate the oocysts within a vessel containing the fluid sample; b) removing a supernatant formed in the vessel during the centrifuging step; c) resuspending the concentrated oocysts in a buffered solution; d) agitating the buffered solution in the presence of zirconia/silica particles at a rate and for a period of time sufficient to lyse the oocysts and release RNA therefrom; e) immobilizing the released RNA on an RNA-binding filter; f) purifying the released RNA by washing the filter one or more times with a buffered solution to remove oocyst components other than the released RNA; and g) removing the purified RNA from the filter.