Quality Assessments

The Genomics Research Center users several assays for the quantification and quality assessment of submitted samples. Below is an outline of typical QC performed based on sample type:

*The GRC will determine the most appropriate assays for your samples based on several factors such as sample number, volume, expected concentration, previous submissions, etc. 
 

Nanodrop One:

Used to measure concentration and purity of nucleic acids. The concentration (ng/uL) is based on the absorbance of nucleic acids at 260 nm. Two ratios are measured to assess purity:
260/280 ratio: "Pure" DNA samples have a ratio of ~1.8. "Pure" RNA samples have a ratio of ~2.0. If this ratio is lower, it could indicate protein contamination, phenol presence, or other contaminants that absorb at 280 nm.
260/230 ratio: This ratio should be between 1.8 and 2.2. If lower, it could indicate the presence of co-purified contaminants. 
RNA Range: 10 - 2,500 ng/uL
*Nanodrop values are sensitive to contaminants and do not indicate quality of RNA samples. Other assays (such as bioanalyzer) should be used to assess the quality of RNA. 
 

Invitrogen Qubit Fluorometer 3.0:

Used to measure concentration of DNA, RNA, and Protein. The flexibility of the system allows for 1 - 20 uL of sample and the selective dyes specific for dsDNA and RNA minimize the effects of contaminants. 
dsDNA Range: 1 to 500 ng/mL
RNA HS Range: 25 to 500 ng/mL

Agilent Bioanalyzer:

Automated microfludics system used for quality assessment of RNA and DNA samples. 

HS = High Sensitivity
 

For more information about the Bioanalyzer Assay and how to interpret your QC results, download our Interpretation of Bioanalyzer PDF. 

 

Agilent Fragment Analyzer:

Capillary electrophoresis for quality assessment of RNA and DNA samples. 

HS = High Sensitivity            NGS = Next Generation Sequencing (Libraries)
 

For more information about the Fragment Analyzer assay and how to interpret your QC results, download our Interpretation of Fragment Analyzer PDF. 

 

Agilent Tapestation 4200:

Electrophoresis separation of RNA and DNA Samples. 

                                     HS = High Sensitivity

For more information about the Tapestation assay and how to interpret your QC results, download our Interpretation of Tapestation PDF. 

Aggregate Reports from the GRC:

After QC is complete, you will receive an Aggregate Report summarizing the QC assays performed. 

Example RNA Aggregate Report:

Example DNA Aggregate Report:

Example Library Aggregate Report: