ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer
ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer
Extraction-Free Sample Prep for PCR & RT-PCR Workflows
Simplify diagnostics. Accelerate results.
Product Overview
ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer is a ready-to-use, extraction-free lysis buffer that inactivates viruses and stabilizes RNA directly at the point of collection. It enables direct-to-PCR workflows, eliminating the need for nucleic acid extraction and reducing turnaround time in both clinical and field settings.
The ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer is suitable for extraction-free PCR, meaning there is no need for nucleic acid isolation from samples. Simply expose cells to ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer for 15 minutes at ambient temperature, or collect your swab directly in the buffer. Then, incubate the buffer containing the sample for 5 minutes at 95 °C to inactivate enzymes. The buffer is safe to handle. All reagents are non-toxic and stable.
⚠️ For Research Use Only – Not for diagnostic use.
The ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer and related products are offered strictly as Research Use Only (RUO) reagents.
They are not CE-IVD marked and are not approved for clinical diagnostic use.
Intended exclusively for professional laboratory or research use.
Please consult local regulations before purchasing or using RUO products in your region.
Do not ingest or use internally.
Characteristics:
- Extraction-free PCR-ready: Enables direct amplification. No nucleic acid isolation required
- High-purity RNA/DNA: Reliable removal of inhibitors for downstream applications (e.g., PCR, RT-PCR, NGS)
- Simple workflow: Incubate samples for 15 minutes at room temperature, followed by 5 minutes at 95 °C
- Safe formulation: All reagents are non-toxic and safe to handle
- Versatile sample compatibility:
- Swab samples (nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal)
- Variable input of 200–1000 µL whole blood
- Supernatants from homogenized tissue
- Saliva and other body fluids
- Room temperature stability: Suitable for transport and field use
Available Formats
| SKU | Format | Volume |
| EFB-2 | Prefilled tube | 2 mL |
| EFB-100 | Bulk bottle | 100 mL |
| EFB-500 | Bulk bottle | 500 mL |
| EFB-KIT96 | 96-well compatible kit | 1.5 mL x 96 |
Custom volumes available.
Product Performance
ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer has been internally validated by AthenaTecs’ R&D teams to ensure robust performance in a variety of research settings:
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Limit of Detection (LOD): ≤100 copies/µL (assay-dependent)
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Sample types: saliva, nasopharyngeal swabs, and dry swabs
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Direct RNA detection in RT-qPCR with ΔCt ≤ 1.5 compared to purified RNA
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Stable at 15–25 °C (no cold chain required)
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Shelf life: 12 months (unopened)
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RNA stability maintained for up to 5 days at 30 °C without degradation
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No PCR inhibition: compatible with standard polymerases and RT enzymes
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Suitable for use in academic, field, and surveillance research involving human and environmental samples.
AthenaTecs validates each batch to ensure consistency and reliability, supporting trust in new-generation RUO products.
Estimated Sample Capacity
With our ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer, you can process hundreds to thousands of samples depending on your protocol. Below is an estimated number of samples per bottle, based on common usage volumes per test:
* based on formula:
Number of samples = Total buffer volume (in µL) ÷ Volume per sample (in µL)
| Volume per sample | Samples with 100 mL | Samples with 500 mL |
| 200 µL / sample | 500 samples | 2,500 samples |
| 300 µL / sample | 333 samples | 1,667 samples |
| 500 µL / sample | 200 samples | 1,000 samples |
Additional information
| Content | Kit: 1 ml, Kit: 3 ml, Bottle: 100 ml, Bottle: 500 ml, One-step spin columns. (50 PCS), Package |
|---|
Why Choose ExtraFree™
Using an extraction-free method like our ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer can save 30–90 minutes per PCR run, depending on the protocol and sample type.
Time Saved in a Typical PCR Workflow:
| Step | Traditional Method | With ExtraFree™ Buffer |
| Sample preparation | 5–10 min | 0–2 min (swab directly) |
| Nucleic acid extraction | 30–60 min (manual or kit) | ❌ Skipped |
| Enzyme inactivation | – | 5 min at 95 °C |
| Total time to PCR-ready | ~40–70 min | ~5–10 min |
Total time saved: 30 to 60+ minutes per batch
Additional benefits:
- Reduced hands-on labor
- Less plastic waste
- Lower reagent costs
Recommendations
Ideal Applications
- Respiratory virus detection (SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, RSV)
- Emergency outbreak response
- Mobile and field-based diagnostics
- Laboratory education and training
- Sample pooling or surveillance programs
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ExtraFree™ Lysis Buffer in Action: Step-by-Step Explanation
FAQs – Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer
What is Athenatecs’ Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer?
The Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer is a proprietary solution designed to simplify sample processing by eliminating the need for RNA/DNA extraction. It enables direct use of biological samples in downstream molecular workflows such as qPCR, RT-qPCR, or LAMP.
What applications is this buffer suitable for?
This buffer is optimized for research applications in molecular biology, particularly for the detection of viral and bacterial pathogens in clinical-like or environmental samples. It is ideal for use in research laboratories, pilot studies, and test sites that prioritize speed and efficiency. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
What types of samples have been used successfully with the Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer?
Successful sample types include saliva, nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs (in VTM or dry), sputum, and buccal swabs. It may also be compatible with certain environmental or wastewater samples. Please contact us for specific protocol adaptations.
Can I use the Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer with animal or plant tissue samples?
The buffer has been primarily optimized for human clinical specimens. Use with animal or plant tissues may require protocol adjustments or additional homogenization steps. Pilot testing is recommended.
How do I use the buffer?
Simply mix a small volume of the sample (e.g., saliva or swab in transport medium) with the Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer at the recommended ratio (typically 1:1). Incubate if required, then use the mixture directly in your amplification protocol.
Is RNA or DNA extraction still required?
No. The buffer is designed to bypass traditional extraction steps, saving time, reducing costs, and minimizing contamination risks.
Can I store the extracted RNA before performing cDNA synthesis?
After RNA isolation, store the RNA at -80°C until use. If -80°C storage is not available, RNA can be stored at -20°C, but cDNA synthesis should be performed within one week.
How sensitive are the quantitative RT-PCR results obtained from RNA isolated with the buffer?
The Extra-Free™ Lysis Buffer has demonstrated high sensitivity in RT-qPCR, comparable to traditional extraction methods for high and medium viral loads. For low viral load samples, sensitivity may vary depending on the assay design and inhibitors present in the sample type.
Should I perform the optional DNase I treatment step?
What are the benefits compared to traditional extraction?
- Faster: No separate extraction step
- Cost-effective: Fewer reagents and no expensive kits needed
- Simplified workflow: Reduces pipetting errors and equipment dependency
- Compatible: Works with multiple amplification platforms
Which testing platforms are compatible with the buffer?
Should the buffer be stored refrigerated after opening?
After opening, the buffer remains stable until the expiration date when stored properly. It can be stored at room temperature or at 2–8°C if preferred. Do not freeze.
Is the buffer CE-IVD or RUO?
Our standard formulation is for Research Use Only (RUO). A CE-IVD certified version is currently under development. Please contact us for the latest regulatory status.
Is the buffer suitable for field testing or decentralized use?
Yes. Its simplified workflow makes it highly suitable for research use in field settings, pilot studies, and non-clinical decentralized testing where access to full lab infrastructure is limited.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Can I order the buffer in bulk?
AthenaTecs offers flexible volumes options. Please contact us at info@athenatecs.com.
Get support on any question you have