For best results, we recommend an extraction or purification of the RNA starting material. The Luna RT-qPCR Kit works with nucleic acids from a variety of sample types purified using typical column-based methods (e.g. Monarch® RNA Miniprep Kit (NEB #T2010)).
When performing studies using mammalian cell cultures, cell lysates generated by Luna Cell Ready Lysis Module (NEB #E3032) can be added to all Luna one-step RT-qPCR reagents.
In addition, numerous studies have directly demonstrated the compatibility of Luna reagents with saliva and other clinically relevant samples using crude sample prep protocols. SalivaDirect is one example.