Abstract: A method for RNA selection and/or enrichment, especially with mRNA molecules, from a pool of RNA molecules, the method comprising a step of incubating a sample containing a pool of RNA molecules with an RNA binding protein to form RNA-RNA binding protein complexes, wherein a protein of IFIT family of proteins or its functional variants, homologues or mutants are used as the RNA binding protein. The RNA molecule selected and/or enriched by the method and is used for detection in RNA pathogen-based diagnostic tests and for preparation of libraries for RNA sequencing.