Total RNA Minipreps from tissues, cultured cells and blood samples. The Total RNA MINI and MAXI Kits (Tissue) are specially designed for purification of total RNA from a variety of animal tissues or cells. The provided micropestle can efficiently homogenize tissue samples in the microcentrifuge tube. The method uses a detergent and chaotropic salt to lyse cells and inactivate RNase. The RNA in the chaotropic salt is bound by the glass-fiber matrix of the spin column. Once any contaminates have been removed following the wash step, the purified RNA is eluted by RNase-free water. This protocol does not require phenol extraction or alcohol precipitation. The entire procedure can be completed within 60 minutes, and the purified RNA is ready for RT-PCR, Northern blotting, primer extension, and cDNA library construction.