The color is due to cells lysing before the DNAzol Reagent is added. The color is caused by hemoglobin. This contaminant will cause problems during PCR, and must be removed before the ethanol wash step to prevent them. The following are possible reasons for the contamination:
- Inadequate or ineffective anticoagulants can result in clot formation; typically, this will give DNA a speckled appearance. Remove them by centrifugation before precipitating the DNA.
- The walls of the tube were not adequately washed with the DNAzol BD wash solution. Trace amounts of protein on the wall of the tube can cause contamination if this residue is dislodged during the ethanol wash steps.