Viral RNA extraction

The array above has 15 rows of spots containing synthetic capture RNA covalently attached to a glass slide. Three spots in each row contain identical capture RNA designed to bind to a short section of one strain of viral RNA. The spot at the left in each row is a control that will become fluorescent in every test and serves as an internal standard. Viral RNA extracted from patients is amplified (reproduced into many copies) and digested (cleaved into fragments). Capture RNA on the slide binds selected viral RNA fragments. Another synthetic RNA with a fluorescent tag is designed to bind to a different section of viral RNA. After allowii d ested viral RNA to bind to capture RNA and to fluorescent RNA, excess fluorescent RNA is washed away. Fluorescence intensity in each spot is related to the amount of viral RNA bound at that spot. 

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