Genomic DNA Extraction by Sample Type

Extract high-quality genomic DNA from a range of sample types

Isolate and purify high-quality genomic DNA from a wide variety of sample types, including tissue, cells, blood, serum, plants, and forensic samples. Whether you prefer organic reagents, filter columns, or magnetic beads, our DNA purification products are designed for sensitive, scalable extraction and are compatible with a range of downstream applications.

DNA Reference Guide  gDNA extraction by DNA type


Purify high-quality genomic DNA from a range of sample types

Viral DNA extraction

Viral DNA extraction poses unique challenges for good recovery and detection sensitivity. Capture and lysis of virus particles from very dilute solutions or cell-free samples is the first hurdle. We have developed DNA purification products that are optimized to provide maximum viral DNA yield, purity, and integrity from a broad range of sample types in several format options.

Which kit for viral DNA extraction is right for you?

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 High-throughput recovery low abundance of viral DNAViral DNA purification from a variety of sample typesConsistent recovery of low abundance of viral DNA
 PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Viral RNA/DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX Pathogen RNA/DNA Kit
MagMAX Pathogen RNA/DNA Kit
PureLink Viral RNA/DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Viral RNA/DNA Mini Kit
Starting material 200 µL cell-free sample50–300 µL500 µL cell-free sample
Sample type Plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluidPlasma, serum, whole blood, swabs, feces, ear notches, semen, oral fluid, InPouch culturesPlasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid
Protocol time 30 mins45 mins45 mins
Isolation methodSilica plateScalable, flexible format with magnetic beadsFast, convenient silica column
High-throughput compatible    
Number of preps 38448050

DNA extraction from tissue

Obtaining high-quality, intact DNA is often the first and most critical step in many fundamental molecular biology applications, such as DNA cloning, sequencing, PCR, and electrophoresis. Isolating intact total DNA from tissue samples varies in difficulty with the physical and biochemical nature of the tissue. For example, many DNA extraction methods will work equally well for tissues such as liver, but fibrous tissues such as heart, fatty tissues such as brain, and nuclease-rich tissues like spleen present challenges for DNA isolation. We offer a wide range of DNA extraction from tissue kits, plus the support you may need to get high yields of pure, intact DNA from almost any type of tissue.

Which kit for genomic DNA extraction from tissue is right for you?

 Order nowOrder nowOrder nowOrder now
 Process the largest amount of tissueFast isolation of gDNA from a variety of samplesHigh-yield, high-purity gDNA in a plate formatRapid and automated extraction of DNA 
 DNAzol Reagent
DNAzol Reagent
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
Tissue starting materialUp to 50 mgUp to 25 mgUp to 25 mgUp to 25–50 mg
Yield Up to 250 µg5–10 µg5–10 µg10–80 µg
Isolation methodOrganic extractionSilica membraneFilter plateMagnetic beads
High-throughput compatible    
Compatible applicationsCloning, qPCR, sequencingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotyping
Prep time10–30 mins15 mins35 mins45 mins
Prep size100 mL50 and 250 preps4 x 96 preps50, 96, 500, and 2,500 preps

DNA extraction from cells

DNA extraction from cells is one of the most widely used molecular biology techniques. This has traditionally been a highly repetitive and labor-intensive procedure, requiring significant time investment, and often involving the use of toxic organic chemicals. We have developed purification products that are optimized to provide DNA of maximum yield, purity, and integrity from cultured cells, including cell suspensions using several technology formats; organic extraction, silica membranes, and magnetic beads. These options provide users with flexibility, throughput, and choice along both the product and price continuum.

Which kit for DNA extraction from cells is right for you?

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 Process the most cellsFast isolation of gDNA from cellsHigh-yield, high-purity gDNA in a plate formatRapid and automated extraction of DNA 
 DNAzol Reagent
DNAzol Reagent
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
Cell inputUp to 3 x 107 cellsUp to 5 x 106 cellsUp to 5 x 106 cellsUp to 5 x 106 cells
YieldUp to 70 µgUp to 10 µgUp to 10 µg15–30 µg
Isolation methodOrganic extractionSilica membraneFilter plateMagnetic beads
High-throughput compatible     
Compatible applicationsCloning, qPCR, sequencingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotyping
Prep time10-30 min15 min35 min45 min
Prep size100 mL50 and 250 preps4 x 96 preps50, 96, 500, and 2,500 preps
Higher, more concentrated yields achieved with the Invitrogen PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit

Figure 1. Higher, more concentrated yields achieved with the Invitrogen PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit.

DNA extraction from blood

Rapid and efficient DNA extraction from blood

Genotyping has become an essential application in clinical trials for pharmacogenomics studies. The emergence of pharmacogenomic centers of excellence has resulted in an increasing need for purification of high-quality genomic DNA from large volumes of blood. Since samples are collected and shipped worldwide, every sample may require different storage and shipping conditions. Choosing the right genomic DNA extraction from blood is important based on your needs and expected end results. We offer a wide range of kits designed for DNA extraction from blood or serum samples at the purity and scale you need.

Which kit for DNA extraction from blood is right for you?

 Order nowOrder nowOrder nowOrder nowOrder now
 Process the largest amount of bloodFast isolation of gDNA from bloodHigh-yield, high-purity gDNA in a plate formatRapid and automated extraction of DNAFastest automated extraction for blood and saliva
 DNAzol BD Reagent
DNAzol BD Reagent
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra Kit 2.0
MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra Kit 2.0
Blood input 500 µL200 µL200 µL50–350 µL50 µL–2 mL
Yield 10–20 µg3–10 µg3–10 µg1.5–16 µg1.5–80 µg
Isolation method Organic extractionSilica membraneFilter plateMagnetic beadsMagnetic beads
High-throughput compatible     
Compatible applicationsCloning, qPCR, sequencingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotyping
Prep time10–30 mins15 mins35 mins90 mins using KingFisher instruments45 mins using KingFisher instruments
Prep size100 mL50 and 250 preps4 x 96 preps50, 96, 500, and 2,500 preps100 preps or bulk reagents

Plant DNA Extraction

Plant DNA extraction has unique challenges that require kits specifically designed to deal with carbohydrates, phenolics, and other compounds abundant in plant tissues. Plant cell walls can be very difficult to disrupt, and lysates often contain significant amounts of compounds such as tannins, phenolics, and complex polysaccharides that can affect DNA quality and inhibit downstream reactions. We offer an expansive portfolio of kits, reagents, devices for extraction, purification, analysis, and quantitation of plant DNA. Make your DNA isolation from plant samples easier on you and easier on your samples, while achieving high-yield and high-purity results with our plant molecular biology reagents.

Which kit for plant DNA extraction is right for you?

 Most cost-effectiveHigh quality gDNA at a great valueFast isolation of gDNA from a variety of plant samplesRapid and automated extraction of DNA
 Plant DNAzol Reagent
Plant DNAzol Reagent
PureLink Genomic Plant DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Genomic Plant DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX DNA Plant Isolation
MagMAX DNA Plant Isolation
Plant tissue input100 mg100 mgup to 25 mgup to 100 mg
YieldVaries based on starting material1–15 µg5–10 µg from tissueVaries based on starting material
Prep time60 mins40 mins35 mins40 mins
Isolation methodOrganic extractionSilica spin columnFilter plateScalable, flexible format with magnetic beads
Automatable    
High-throughput compatibility    
Format100 mL50 preps4 x 96 preps96 or 384 preps
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Easy, high-yield, high-purity DNA extraction from plant samples

Plant tissue is difficult enough to work with due to the high levels of polysaccharides and polyphenols present. Why compound the issue with tedious, inefficient processes? Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) methods require excessive time and handling, limiting your throughput. Silica membrane or magnetic bead–based protocols rely on guanidine and ethanol for DNA capture, but these reagents often don’t remove inhibitors inherent in plant samples that can carry over into the final product and interfere with downstream PCR applications. This leads to frequent sample processing failure, causing you to repeat the purification—if you have the time and sample to spare. We now offer you products specifically designed for easy, high-yield, high-purity DNA purification from plant samples. Inhibitors are removed for reliable downstream results the first time. 

Learn about products to empower your plant science research

FFPE DNA extraction

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples provide a valuable source of stable nucleic acids for gene expression analysis. The clinical utility of FFPE samples is substantial, where retrospective analysis of archival tissue enables the correlation of molecular findings with the response to treatment and the clinical outcome.

Which DNA extraction kit from FFPE samples is right for you?

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 Fast and easyLow-throughput isolation of RNA and DNA from the same FFPE sectionScalable isolation of RNA and DNA from the same FFPE section
 Ion AmpliSeq Direct FFPE DNA Kit
Ion AmpliSeq Direct FFPE DNA Kit
RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE
RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE
MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit
MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit
Prep time30 mins4.5 hrs (total time for 16 samples)
2.5 hrs hands-on time
4 hrs (total time for 96 preps)
1 hr hands-on time
Final product extractedDNAtotal RNA, microRNA, gDNAtotal RNA, microRNA, gDNA
Isolation methodLysisColumn purificationMagnetic bead purification
Deparaffinization required   
Automation compatible (post deparaffinization)N/A  
(Scripts for KF Flex and Duo Prime)
Compatible FFPE sample rangesingle 5–10 micron section
(4–100 mm2 tissue)
up to 4 x 20 micron sections
(300 mm2 tissue)
up to 2 x 20 micron sections
(300 mm2 tissue)
Sample volume~20µL lysate containing DNA~50µL purified DNA
~50µL purified RNA
~50µL purified DNA
~50µL purified RNA
Compatible with Ion AmpliSeq DNA panels (e.g., Cancer Hotspot Panel v2)   
Compatible with Ion AmpliSeq RNA panels (e.g., RNA cancer and RNA fusion)   

Why is nucleic acid isolation from FFPE samples such a challenge?

The fixation process causes cross-linkage between nucleic acids and proteins, and covalently modifies adenine and cytidine by the addition of monomethyl groups to the bases. As a result, the molecules are rigid and susceptible to mechanical shearing. Therefore, in order to utilize FFPE tissues as a source for DNA, a reliable method is required for its extraction from the cross-linked matrix.

How can you increase your chances of success with FFPE samples?

There are a number of factors that can impact the overall quality and yield of DNA isolated from FFPE tissues. Here are recommendations to address several key factors:

  1. Upstream tissue procurement and tissue specimen preparation—if possible, tissues should be fixed within one hour of surgical resection. The optimal fixation time is 12–24 hours, using neutral-buffered formalin or paraformaldehyde. Fixed tissues should be thoroughly dehydrated prior to the embedding process.
  2. Block storage—storage of blocks without cut faces, when possible, prevents ongoing damage from exposure to atmospheric oxygen, water, and other environmental factors such as light and infestation (fungus, insects, etc.).
  3. Tissue type, size, and amount being used for RNA isolation—the recommended tissue thickness is 10–20 µm The number of sections used is determined by the tissue type (which impacts cell density) and surface area (recommended size: 50–300 mm2). Excess starting material can cause filter clogging, resulting in poor yield.
  4. Excessive amount of paraffin used for embedding tissues—when possible, excess paraffin should be trimmed away prior to starting the purification protocol. For xylene-based purification methods, two xylene treatments at room temperature should be sufficient for complete deparaffinization. If desired, a more rigorous 37–55°C treatment can be performed for up to 30 minutes. After the xylene deparaffinization, it is crucial that the 100% ethanol is completely removed and the pellets are dry after the two 100% ethanol washes. The magnetic bead method employs novel chemistries to deal with the paraffin that limits input to 20 µm sections.

The MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kits are designed for rapid, efficient, and automatable isolation of total RNA and DNA from FFPE samples using MagMAX magnetic particles. MagMAX FFPE NA kits offer faster workflows and use less toxic reagents, without sacrificing quality in the process. These kits help deliver nucleic acid yield and purity comparable to the best-in-class RecoverAll filter-based system. The MagMAX FFPE NA kits outperform products with similar protocols, and achieve RNA and DNA yields that are comparable with longer, more hazardous, and lower-throughput protocols.

The RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit procedure requires about 45 minutes of hands-on time. FFPE samples are deparaffinized using a series of xylene and ethanol washes. Next, they are subjected to a rigorous protease digestion with an incubation time tailored for recovery of either RNA or DNA. The nucleic acids are purified using a rapid glass-filter methodology that includes an on-filter nuclease treatment, and are eluted into either water or the low-salt buffer provided.

Buccal DNA extraction

Buccal cells are one of the most common sample types used to obtain genetic information. Buccal cells are collected by swabbing the inside of a person’s cheek. The cells contained on the swab are then lysed, releasing genomic DNA that can be purified and analyzed. 

As with blood samples, buccal swabs have become a standard sample type for genotyping applications in the field of pharmacogenomics. The emergence of pharmacogenomic centers of excellence has resulted in an increasing need for purification of high-quality genomic DNA from buccal swabs. We offer kits optimized for the recovery of DNA from these informative samples.

Which kit for genomic DNA extraction from buccal swabs is right for you?

 Order nowOrder nowOrder nowOrder now
 Fast isolation of gDNAHigh-yield, high-purity gDNA in a plate formatRapid and automated extraction of DNA, recommended for PGxFastest automated DNA extraction for high-volume processing
 PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Genomic DNA Mini Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX 96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra Kit 2.0
MagMAX DNA Multi-Sample Ultra Kit 2.0
No. of swabs 1 swab1 swab1 swab1–2 swabs
Yield Up to 6 µgUp to 6 µg2–12 µg 
Isolation method Silica membraneFilter plateMagnetic beadsMagnetic beads
High-throughput compatible     
Compatible applications Cloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotyping
Prep time 15 min35 min1 hr40 min
Prep size 50, 250 preps4 x 96 preps50, 96, 500, and 2,500 preps100 preps or bulk reagents

Bacteria DNA extraction kits

Bacteria is present everywhere and as research progresses, we are furthering our understanding of the important role that bacteria play in human health. The study of the microbiome is influencing our understanding of areas such as diabetes, malnutrition, obesity, and women’s health.

Not all bacterial cells are the same, and gram positive samples can be especially challenging to lyse. We have developed a variety of product formats to address all the bacterial cell types from those easy-to-lyse to the more difficult gram positive cells.

Which kit for genomic DNA extraction from bacteria is right for you?

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 Most cost-effective Fast isolation of gDNA from bacterial cells High-yield, high-purity gDNA in a plate formatRapid and automated extraction of DNA
 DNAzol Reagent
DNAzol Reagent
PureLink Microbiome DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Microbiome DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
PureLink Pro 96 Genomic DNA Purification Kit
MagMAX-96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
MagMAX 96 DNA Multi-Sample Kit
Cell input Up to 3 x 107 cellsUp to 2 x 109 cellsUp to 2 x 109 cellsUp to 2 x 109 cells
Yield Up to 70 µgUp to 25 µgUp to 10 µg15–30 µg
Isolation methodOrganic extractionSilica membraneFilter plateMagnetic beads
High-throughput compatible    
Compatible applicationsCloning, qPCR, sequencingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotypingCloning, qPCR, sequencing, genotyping
Prep time10–30 min45 min35 min45 min
Prep size100 mL50 preps4 x 96 preps50, 96, 500, and 2,500 preps

Forensics DNA extraction

Forensics DNA samples are often highly variable in quality, making it difficult to validate a single purification protocol that will work for high-throughput screening of various sample types. ChargeSwitch technology is designed to purify samples of variable quality using a single protocol, without centrifugation, and without the introduction of high-concentration salts or organic solvents that can interfere with downstream analytical protocols.

ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit

 Optimized for STR and poor or degraded samples
 ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit
ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit
Protocol time<15 min
Isolation technologyChargeSwitch chemistry
High-throughput compatible 
High-throughput/automation optionsiPrep ChargeSwitch Forensic Kit
Kit size100 preps

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The ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit affords high sensitivity and robustness for poor or environmentally degraded samples. This kit is fully validated for single tandem repeat (STR) profiling and is compatible with high-throughput protocols. Use the iPrep ChargeSwitch Forensic Kit when using the iPrep Purification System to process your forensic samples. 

Rapid, three-step, pH-based purification protocol

The ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit allows purification of genomic DNA typically in less than 15 minutes following sample preparation, using magnetic beads with a unique, ionizable, nucleic acid-binding ligand whose charge can be switched based on the pH of the surrounding medium. Purification is achieved through a simple three-step procedure in aqueous buffers and avoids the use of guanidine, ethanol, and other hazardous reagents. 

Validated for single tandem repeat (STR) profiling

The ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit is suitable for use in STR analysis, for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) extraction from hair follicles for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, and includes a flexible protocol to facilitate genomic DNA isolation from a variety of forensic sample types (Figure 1), such as:

  • Dried blood spots on paper and clothing
  • Hair follicles and hair shafts
  • Cigarette butts
  • Cigarette paper
  • Envelopes
  • Drinking vessel swabs
  • Chewing gum
  • Sperm head cells
  • Vaginal epithelial cells
  • Door handle swabs
  • Strip removed cells (e.g., hats, coats, and gloves)
  •  "Touch DNA" (e.g., tools, mobile phones, and microscopes)
  • Dyed denim
The ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit effectively purifies DNA from challenging forensic samples

Figure 2. The ChargeSwitch Forensic DNA Purification Kit effectively purifies DNA from challenging forensic samples. 54 cigarette butts (remains) were collected, 48 samples were purified using the ChargeSwitch Forensic Kit (red bars), 6 samples were purified using a leading competitive kit (blue bars). The DNA was quantified using picogreen and fluorimetric analysis

Average DNA yields by sample type

Figure 3. Average DNA yields by sample type. The standard CST protocol for automated isolation of genomic DNA was used to purify DNA from multiple forensic samples, plus negative controls. All samples were processed in 96-well plates using a Tecan Genesis automated liquid handling robot. The single protocol was found to be highly flexible and could handle the full range of sample types tested.

Biopharmaceutical nucleic acid extraction for analysis

Many biological drugs are produced in cells that contain unique DNA impurities or contaminants that need to be characterized for in-process and lot release testing. The success of a quality control analytical test is critically dependent on the efficiency and reproducibility of sample preparation to remove PCR interferants. A range of Applied Biosystems PrepSEQ Kits enable superior, reproducible recovery from bioproduction samples in both manual and automated formats.

Learn more about automated nucleic acid extraction and recovery from bioproduction samples.

Which PrepSEQ DNA extraction kit is right for biopharmaceutical analysis?

 PrepSEQ Residual DNA Sample Preparation KitPrepSEQ Nucleic Acid Sample Preparation KitPrepSEQ Express Nucleic Acid Extraction KitPrepSEQ 1-2-3 Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit
 
Cat. No.4413686A5048544663514452222
Sample typeBiopharmaceutical production samples (in-process samples, bulk drug substance)Biopharmaceutical production samples (cell culture, raw material, bulk drug substance)Biopharmaceutical production samples (cell culture, raw material, bulk drug substance)Biopharmaceutical production samples (cell culture, raw material, bulk drug substance)
ApplicationResidual DNA testingNucleic acid quantitationMycoplasma & Viral detectionMycoplasma & Viral detection
Purification targetDNA/RNADNA/RNADNA/RNADNA/RNA
Isolation technologyMagnetic beadsMagnetic beadsMagnetic beadsMagnetic Beads
AutomatableYesYesYesNo
Prep time2 hrs2 hrs< 1 hr2 hrs
Prep tize100 Prep100 Prep52 Isolations100 Prep
For use with (equipment)Pharma KingFisher FlexPharma KingFisher FlexAutoMate ExpressManual

Achieve consistent quantitative recovery of extracted DNA and RNA from a wide range of biopharmaceutical sample types

With the complexities of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and quality involves sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction for testing. By utilizing advanced magnetic bead-based technology, PrepSEQ Sample Preparation Solution provides reliable, consistent quantitative recovery of your target DNA and RNA extraction in complex matrices. Supported sample types within the biopharmaceutical industry include widely used cell lines for Chinese hamster ovary DNA (CHO DNA) often used to study genetics, mycoplasma detection and testing, and NS0 used to produce therapeutic proteins. For samples with high protein and a low DNA concentration, use the PrepSEQ residual optimized for residual gDNA extraction.

Automated nucleic acid extraction for bulk biopharmaceutical substances

The PrepSEQ Sample Preparation Kits provide a high-throughput automated solution in combination with the Thermo Fisher Pharma KingFisher Flex Instrument and the Applied Biosystems AutoMate Express Nucleic Acid Extraction System for low hands-on extraction of DNA and RNA. Flexible protocols are available using AutoMate Express system to isolate DNA and RNA from a single organism, or a 3-in-1 surveillance panel protocol can simultaneously extract mycoplasma, mouse minute virus (MMV), and vesivirus nucleic acid from a single sample.


Downstream DNA research applications

Our products extract high-quality DNA with excellent reproducibility for many fundamental downstream molecular biology experiments, including:

  • Next generation sequencing
  • PCR
  • DNA cloning
  • DNA sequencing
  • DNA electrophoresis


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