Quality Control
DNA and RNA quality control and reformatting options
DNA and RNA integrity is important for accurate, reproducible genomic assays. No single measure of quality can completely establish whether a sample will work in a particular technology, therefore we have a range of options to deploy depending on downstream tests. The table below shows our methodology for quality control. For more information and to discuss options please contact Dr Charles Mein on 020 7882 2055
| Requirement | Methodology | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Quantification | Spectrophotometry - Nanodrop | Accurate measurement of absolute amount of nucleotide; may be confounded if sample is not pure |
| Quantification | Qubit® 2.0 Fluorometer | Accurate measurement of double stranded DNA |
| Purity | Spectrophotometry - Nanodrop | High absorbance measurements at 230nm and 280nm indicate the presence of salts, organic solvents and proteins, which can compromise assay results |
| Integrity | Size separation with either the Agilent Bioanalyser or standard agarose gel electrophoresis | Sample degradation, a key cause of assay failure, is detected using simple sizing methods |
Standardisation
Reformatting and normalisation to a standard concentration is carried out using the Biomek FX platform. Automated sample handling ensures that sample concentration can be easily adjusted and collections can be reformatted between single tubes, 96 and 384 well plates with ease and minimal chance for error.