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    Which single-use gloves should you wear during RNA extraction with TRIzol®?

    RNA plays a crucial role in gene expression, serving as the intermediary between DNA and proteins. The extraction of DNA, RNA, and proteins is a key step in studying molecular genetics. Wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during RNA extraction is essential to avoid contamination with RNase, which could distort the results. In addition, extraction methods often require the use of organic solvents. Depending on the extraction method used, selecting the right laboratory gloves is vital, specifically gloves that offer the best resistance to the chemicals being handled. That’s why it is so important to carefully select the single-use gloves you wear during RNA extraction with TRIzol® or similar reagents.

    What is the most used RNA extraction method?

    The guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction method is widely used in molecular biology to isolate RNA (and occasionally DNA and proteins) from various samples (human/animal tissues; plants; yeast; bacteria).

    Since the publication of the 1987 Chomczynski-Sacchi method (Source: Chomczynski – Sacchi – 1987. “Single-step method of RNA isolation by acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2440339/ ), this has become the reference method. Although numerous alternative methods exist today, such as extraction kits, many users still prefer this manual method.

    Several companies market reagents for this extraction process under various commercial names, such as TRIzol® (Invitrogen), TRI Reagent® (Molecular Research Center), QIAzol® (Qiagen), NucleoZOL (Macherey-Nagel), RNA Extracol (Eurx), and others.

    The guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction protocol allows for the simultaneous dissolution of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids while maintaining the integrity of RNA. The primary advantage of this method is its ability to simultaneously isolate RNA, DNA, and proteins from the same sample by simply adjusting the phase of recovery. However, the main challenge lies in handling the toxic and volatile reagents involved in the process.

    What are the hazards of the reagents used for RNA extraction?

    In this article, we refer specifically to "TRIzol®" — the commercial solution used in our chemical resistance tests on laboratory gloves (chemical permeation).

    All these reagents consist of a mixture of phenol (solvent) and guanidinium thiocyanate (chaotropic agent).

    These reagents carry various hazard warnings and symbols according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on the “classification, labelling, and packaging” (CLP Regulation) of substances and mixtures:


    The composition of these reagents includes:

    • Phenol: A highly corrosive compound for the skin and eyes, toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. It can cause severe burns and injuries.
    • Guanidinium thiocyanate: Corrosive to the skin and eyes, toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, and can cause irritations and burns.

    When handling these reagents under a fume hood to avoid exposure to toxic vapours, users are exposed to chemical risks, particularly through skin contact.

    Lab operators typically handle the commercial packaging (100–200 ml), during which there is a risk of accidental spillage. During the sample processing phase, operators are also exposed to TRIzol® (micropipetting, vortexing samples, opening/closing microtubes, sample grinding, etc.).


    Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as laboratory gloves, when handling these chemicals.

    Which disposable gloves are suitable for handling RNA extraction reagents?


    Given the chemicals involved, wearing suitable disposable gloves is of utmost importance. Operators should assess whether the gloves they typically wear for these tasks are suitable for handling these reagents.

    Priority should be given to single-use nitrile or nitrile/neoprene gloves rather than natural rubber latex gloves. Nitrile gloves are indeed more resistant to organic solvents.

    The SHIELDskin CHEM™ NEO NITRILE™, SHIELDskin™ ORANGE NITRILE™ 260 and SHIELDskin™ ORANGE NITRILE™ 300, and ecoSHIELD™ Eco Nitrile PF250 gloves are particularly well-suited for protection against splashes when handling RNA extraction reagents.

    The chemical permeation tests with TRIzol® on these gloves yielded the following results:

    • ecoSHIELD™ Eco Nitrile PF 250: 93 minutes
    • SHIELDskin™ ORANGE NITRILE™ 260/300: 100 minutes
    • SHIELDskin CHEM™ NEO NITRILE™ 300: >480 minutes

    For use in molecular biology laboratories, we recommend the ecoSHIELD™ Eco Nitrile PF250 glove, which appears to offer the best balance between protection and cost.

    The SHIELDskin CHEM™ NEO NITRILE™, SHIELDskin™ ORANGE NITRILE™ 260/300, and ecoSHIELD™ Eco Nitrile PF250 gloves are all manufactured using twinSHIELD™ technology. This double-dipping technique creates a dual-layer glove. Thanks to twinSHIELD™ technology, these gloves achieve an AQL of 0.25, the highest level of protection on the market, providing better operator safety. To learn more about the importance of the AQL of laboratory gloves, take a few minutes to read our dedicated article.

    Don't take any risks during your RNA extractions – wear gloves that are suitable for handling reagents. Consult our glove selection guide and Chemical Resistance Guide or contact your SHIELD Scientific sales representative to make advised choice.

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