If you work with RNA, you know how important it is to measure its concentration accurately. Whether you’re studying gene expression, preparing for next-generation sequencing (NGS), or diagnosing diseases, having the right amount of high-quality RNA is crucial. The RNA High Sensitivity (HS) Assay Kit for Qubit provides a precise, reliable, and easy-to-use method for measuring RNA, ensuring that researchers and clinicians get the best results possible.
Why Choose the RNA HS Assay Kit for Qubit?
Traditional methods like Nanodrop measure RNA using UV light, but they can’t tell the difference between RNA, DNA, or protein contamination, leading to overestimated concentrations (NIH). In contrast, the Qubit RNA HS Assay Kit uses a special fluorescent dye that binds only to RNA, giving highly accurate readings even for tiny amounts of RNA (Genome.gov).
Key Benefits of the RNA HS Assay Kit
- Detects Even Small Amounts – Measures as little as 250 pg/µL, making it perfect for low-input RNA samples (NCBI).
- RNA-Specific – Unlike Nanodrop, it ignores DNA and proteins, ensuring you measure only RNA (CDC RNA Extraction Guidelines).
- Works Across a Wide Range – Accurately quantifies RNA from 250 pg/µL to 100 ng/µL, so it’s useful for different types of experiments (FDA Biomolecular Methods).
- Uses a Tiny Sample Volume – Requires just 1-20 µL, which helps preserve precious RNA (Harvard RNA Core Facility).
- Fast and Compatible with Qubit Fluorometers – Works in just 2 minutes with Qubit 4 and Qubit Flex (Thermo Fisher Scientific Qubit Manual).
How It Works
The Qubit RNA HS Assay Kit uses a fluorescent dye that binds only to RNA. The Qubit fluorometer then measures the fluorescence, which directly reflects the RNA concentration. Since this method ignores contaminants, it’s far more reliable than UV-based measurements (Broad Institute RNA Protocols).
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Kit
- Prepare the Working Solution – Mix the RNA HS reagent with the buffer.
- Add Your Sample – Pipette 1-20 µL of RNA into a tube with the working solution.
- Incubate for 2 Minutes – This allows the dye to bind to RNA.
- Measure Fluorescence – Place the tube into the Qubit fluorometer and record the RNA concentration (NIH PCR Protocols).
Where the RNA HS Assay Kit Is Used
1. RNA Quality Control for NGS
Before running NGS experiments, it’s critical to make sure you have the right amount of RNA. If your RNA concentration is too low, it can lead to poor sequencing results. This kit helps researchers confirm they have enough high-quality RNA for sequencing (NCBI RNA Sequencing Guidelines).
2. Low-Input and Single-Cell RNA Studies
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and other low-input RNA studies require accurate quantification to ensure meaningful data. This assay helps avoid wasting valuable samples (Stanford Genome Technology Center).
3. Checking RNA Integrity for Clinical Samples
For clinical diagnostics and forensic science, RNA degradation can lead to false results. This kit provides reliable RNA quantification for FFPE samples and degraded RNA (FDA RNA-based Diagnostic Tools).
4. Optimizing RNA Extraction Protocols
RNA extraction can vary depending on the sample type. Whether you’re working with blood, tissues, or biofluids, this kit helps researchers compare methods and ensure they’re getting the most RNA possible (USDA Biotechnology Lab).
How It Compares to Other RNA Quantification Methods
| Method | Specificity | Sensitivity | Dynamic Range | Sample Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanodrop (A260/A280) | Low (detects DNA, proteins) | Poor | 10 ng/µL – 3,000 ng/µL | 1 µL |
| Qubit RNA HS Assay | High (RNA-selective) | Excellent (250 pg/µL) | 250 pg/µL – 100 ng/µL | 1-20 µL |
| Bioanalyzer RNA Kit | High | Good (50 pg/µL) | 50 pg/µL – 5,000 pg/µL | 1 µL |
Best Practices for Using the RNA HS Assay Kit
- Avoid Contaminants – DNA or protein contamination can affect RNA measurements, so use clean reagents and equipment (NIH RNA Integrity Guide).
- Use Fresh Reagents – Fluorescent dyes degrade over time, so always use fresh working solutions (CDC Molecular Biology Lab Safety).
- Calibrate with Standards – Always measure known RNA standards to ensure accurate results (FDA Laboratory Practices).
The Future of RNA Quantification
With growing interest in RNA-based vaccines, gene therapies, and personalized medicine, precise RNA measurement is more important than ever. Researchers are now integrating AI-driven analysis tools into fluorometers like Qubit to improve RNA quantification (DOE Genomics Research).
Final Thoughts
The RNA HS Assay Kit for Qubit is a must-have tool for anyone working with low-concentration RNA samples. Whether you’re in genomics, clinical research, or molecular diagnostics, this kit provides a fast, accurate, and easy way to quantify RNA. Its high sensitivity, specificity, and compatibility with Qubit fluorometers make it an essential part of any modern lab (NSF Molecular Biology Funding).