Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for rapid and simple extraction and isolation of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, from a biological sample involving the use of an alkaline reagent followed by an acidic solution and a solid phase binding material that has the ability to liberate nucleic acids from biological samples, including whole blood, without first performing any preliminary lysis to disrupt cells or viruses. No detergents or chaotropic substances for lysing cells or viruses are needed or used. Viral, bacterial and mammalian genomic RNA can be obtained using the method of the invention. RNA obtained by the present method is suitable for use in downstream processes such as RT-PCR.