An Efficient Method for DNA Extraction from Paraffin Wax Embedded Tissues for PCR Amplification of Human and Viral DNA

Background and Objective: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues are a valuable source of DNA for molecular studies. We designed and optimized an efficient procedure for DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues. Materials and Methods: Seventy three blocks of cervical paraffin-embedded tissues were investigated. DNA was extracted using 45 minutes boiling in alkaline solution together with 10 beads of Chelex-20, followed by phenol-chloroform extraction and alcohol precipitation. Results: This method produced DNA suitable for amplification using primers specific for human SMN and B globin genes in 98.63% and 82.2% of samples respectively. We also detected human papillomavirus DNA in 58.33% of appropriate samples. Conclusion: This procedure provides simple and efficient method for recovery of amplifiable genomic and viral DNA from paraffin wax embedded tissues.