Affymetrix GeneChip ® System
Quantification of RNA
Quantify of RNA yield can be done by spectrophotometric analysis using the convention that 1 absorbance unit at 260 nm equals 40 µg/mL RNA. The absorbance should be checked at 260 and 280 nm for determination of sample concentration and purity. The A260/A280 ratio should be close to 2.0 for pure RNA (ratios between 1.9 and 2.1 are acceptable).
The CIB offers the Nanodrop 1000 for easy quantification of RNA/DNA with only 1-2 uL of sample that is recoverable if necessary.
Integrity of total RNA samples can also be assessed qualitatively on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. Refer to Interpretation of Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer Data for examples of good-quality RNA.