RNA Reference Guide

Sample preparation and purification solutions

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Introduction

For over three decades and published in over 100,000 publications, scientists have trusted their most precious samples with innovative and robust RNA isolation and purification products. Building on this legacy, new products and improved results are continuously developed. RNA-related research products were primarily started by Ambion in 1989. Ambion products are now offered by Thermo Fisher Scientific, joining a portfolio of RNA isolation products including organic reagents, columns, lysis buffers, and magnetic beads. Trusted products include Applied Biosystems MagMAX kits, Invitrogen Cells-to-CT, PureLink, and mirVana kits, Invitrogen TRIzol Reagent, and Invitrogen Dynabeads isolation technologies. In biological research, RNA isolation is a crucial step in the journey to discovery. High-quality products and methods of extraction are available for all sample types.

Purification and isolation technologies: 5

Organic extraction: 6

Column purification: 11

Crude lysate purification: 17

Magnetic beads: 22

MagMAX magnetic beads: 23

Dynabeads magnetic beads: 24

Instruments: 27

KingFisher purification systems: 28

Qubit fluorometer: 29

NanoDrop spectrophotometers: 30

Tips and tricks for specialty samples: 31

Sample prep essentials: 32

Services and support: 35

Purification and Isolation Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers solutions for complex experimental needs, ranging from organic extraction reagents to spin columns and magnetic beads.

Method	Technology	Sample Type(s)	Technique	Purity	Throughput	Advantages	Difficulties	Recommended For
Organic extraction	Monophasic solution of phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate	Multi-sample	RNA isolation via organic extraction and precipitation	Medium	Low	Efficient lysis and isolation; Scalable; Great for high-fat and cartilaginous samples; 30-60 min procedure	Novice users find phase separation challenging; Hazardous chemicals; Challenging for large sample numbers	Most sample types, best for high-fat tissues or infectious samples
Spin column	Spin column and reagents optimized for RNA isolation via centrifugation	Multi-sample	Homogenized samples loaded onto spin column; RNA washed and eluted	High	Medium to high	Easy to use; Processes many sample types/volumes; Specialized equipment not required; High yield and purity; 20 min procedure; Isolates total RNA, including miRNA	Manual process; Processing individual columns can be challenging	High-throughput gene expression screening from cells in culture
Crude lysate	Lysis buffer and stop solution compatible with reverse transcriptase and PCR applications	Cells in culture	Cells lysed with lysis buffer; no RNA isolation required	Not applicable	Medium to high	7 min sample prep; Addition-only workflow; Process 10–100,000 cells; RNA isolation not required; Highest reproducibility and sensitivity; Complete kit includes lysis reagents, reverse transcriptase, and qPCR master mix; 1-step and 2-step workflows	Limited to cells in culture and blood	High-throughput gene expression screening from cells in culture
Magnetic beads	Magnetic beads and reagents optimized for RNA isolation	Multi-sample	Homogenized samples mixed with magnetic beads; beads washed and RNA eluted	Highest	Medium to high	Higher-efficiency washes; No column clogging; Fully scalable; High yield and efficiency; High throughput-friendly; Automatable	Magnet stand required; Instrument required for automatic processing	Medium- to high-throughput or automatic sample prep processing

Organic Extraction

Total RNA Isolation with TRIzol Reagent

Invitrogen TRIzol Reagent is a trusted reagent for isolating high-quality, intact RNA. It allows sequential precipitation of RNA, DNA, and protein from a single sample. After homogenization with TRIzol Reagent and addition of chloroform, the homogenate separates into three layers: an upper aqueous layer (RNA), an interphase layer, and a lower organic layer (DNA and protein). RNA is precipitated from the aqueous layer with isopropanol, DNA from the interphase/organic layers with ethanol, and protein from the supernatant with isopropanol. Precipitated nucleic acids and proteins are washed and resuspended for downstream applications.

Image description: A bottle of Invitrogen TRIzol Reagent.

TRIzol Reagent in Action

The process involves homogenizing a sample in TRIzol Reagent, adding chloroform, spinning the mixture, transferring the top aqueous phase to a fresh tube, and then precipitating RNA with isopropanol or isolating it using a spin column.

Trust in TRIzol Reagent

Unparalleled lysis capability
Single-step protocol with monophasic solutions (phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate)
Flexible formulations for difficult samples
Low genomic DNA (gDNA) contamination of isolated RNA
Purifies DNA, RNA, and protein from the same sample

TRIzol Reagent is the most cited organic reagent for nucleic acid isolation, with over 161,173 citations from 1990 to 2019 (PubMed). The name "TRI" signifies total RNA isolation and the three layers formed during extraction.

TRIzol Plus RNA Purification Kit

This kit combines TRIzol Reagent with spin column technology, offering up to 10 times more RNA yield than other purification systems.

TRIzol Reagent Workflow:

Store blood samples with RNAlater Stabilization Solution.
Isolate RNA in 1 hr with TRIzol Reagent.
Generate first-strand cDNA with SuperScript IV First-Strand Synthesis System.
Analyze gene expression using TaqMan Fast Advanced Master Mix.

Image description: A collection of Invitrogen TRIzol Plus RNA Purification Kit components, including bottles and boxes.

TRIzol reagents have been demonstrated to chemically inactivate infectious viruses like Ebola virus (EBOV), enhancing safety. RNA purified from blood samples is ready for various RNA analyses.

TRIzol Options Comparison

Product	Product Size	Time	Sample Input	Final Product	Recommended For
TRIzol Reagent	100 mL, 200 mL	N/A	Bacteria, Blood, Cells, Plant samples, Tissue, Viral samples, Yeast	Total RNA, DNA, Protein	Gene expression, RT-qPCR, NGS, Microarray analysis, Cloning, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, cDNA library construction
TRIzol LS Reagent	100 mL, 200 mL	N/A	Blood, Liquid samples (serum), Viral samples	Total RNA, DNA, Protein	Gene expression, RT-qPCR, NGS, Microarray analysis, Cloning, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, cDNA library construction
TRIzol Plus RNA Purification Kit	50 preps	1 hr	Bacteria, Blood, Cells, Plant samples, Tissue, Viral samples, Yeast	Total RNA, including lncRNA, mRNA, miRNA; DNA; Protein	Gene expression, RT-qPCR, NGS, Microarray analysis, Cloning, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, cDNA library construction
TRIzol Max Bacterial RNA Isolation Kit	100 preps, 200 preps	N/A	Bacteria	Total RNA, DNA, Protein	Gene expression, RT-qPCR, NGS, Microarray analysis, Cloning, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, cDNA library construction

Phasemaker Tubes

Invitrogen Phasemaker Tubes simplify TRIzol reagent workflows by creating a tight seal between aqueous and organic phases, allowing easy pipetting of the RNA phase. Benefits include higher yield (up to 30% increase), ease of use, ready-to-use convenience, and increased throughput.

Image description: Diagram illustrating the TRIzol Reagent workflow with Phasemaker Tubes, showing phase separation after centrifugation.

Pro tip: Phases remain separated even if the tube is dropped after centrifugation.

Figure 4 description: Graphs showing yield and purity comparison between TRIzol Reagent alone and with Phasemaker Tubes.

Column Purification

Spin Down for Flexible, Easy, and Reliable RNA Isolation

PureLink silica columns offer high sample input capacity and can process various sample types in 20 minutes. Kits are available for total RNA, mRNA, miRNA, small RNA, viral RNA, and sequence-specific RNA extractions.

A Tried and True Spin on RNA Purification

Samples are lysed using a guanidine isothiocyanate lysis buffer. RNase-free reagents and silica membranes in spin columns facilitate a safe and easy procedure. After lysate passes through the silica membrane, it is washed to remove contaminants, and RNA is eluted with RNase-free water for downstream applications.

Did you know? For qPCR applications, contaminating gDNA often does not need to be removed. TaqMan Gene Expression Assays can be used without additional DNase treatment. Save time and budget by using the right method.

If DNA removal is necessary, the PureLink RNA Mini Kit offers on-column DNase treatment, or post-isolation DNase treatment with the Invitrogen PureLink DNase Set is available.

Pro tip: Combine TRIzol Reagent with spin column purification for exceptionally pure RNA.

Silica or Glass Fiber Membrane Purification

Silica-membrane filters allow fast, easy RNA purification for most applications.
Guanidine isothiocyanate lysis and wash buffers combined with RNase-free spin columns protect RNA during isolation.

Image description: Diagram illustrating the spin column purification protocol: Lyse and homogenize, Add ethanol, Add sample to spin cartridge, Spin, Wash, Elute.

Take a Spin with PureLink Purification Kits

PureLink RNA Mini Kit

Processes 5 to 200 mg of animal/plant tissue or 0.5 x 10^6 to 0.5 x 10^8 tissue culture cells in 20 minutes. Isolates up to 1,000 µg of total RNA with one column and offers very low residual DNA carryover. Flexible, optional on-column or post-isolation DNase treatment is available.

Image description: A collection of Invitrogen PureLink RNA Mini Kit components.

Pro tip: The PureLink RNA Mini Kit works with various sample types including tissue, blood, bacteria, yeast, and plant cells.

Did you know? One PureLink RNA Mini Kit processes the same amount of sample as one Qiagen RNeasy Mini Kit and one RNeasy Midi Kit combined, offering broader sample input capacity.

A Closer Look

RNA yields were determined using the Invitrogen Qubit 4 Fluorometer. The PureLink kit enables processing of more than 150 mg of tissue, delivering higher RNA yields than Qiagen kits across three tissue types analyzed.

Image description: Graphs comparing RNA yields and purity between PureLink and Qiagen kits for different tissue types (liver, heart, brain). Also shows images of PureLink and Qiagen columns, highlighting the larger bed of the PureLink column. Graphs show RNA purity (A260/A280) and integrity (RIN) values for different isolation methods.

Other RNA Isolation Kits

mirVana miRNA Isolation Kit

This kit isolates total RNA from kilobases down to 10 bases, ideal for miRNA, siRNA, shRNA, and snRNA analysis. It offers efficient isolation of total RNA containing small RNA and an alternate protocol to enrich small RNA (<200 nt). The procedure is simple (30 min) and compatible with virtually all cell and tissue types.

Image description: A collection of Invitrogen mirVana miRNA Isolation Kit components.

RecoverAll Multi-Sample RNA Isolation Kit

Designed for special RNA species, particularly for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples which degrade RNA. This kit recovers RNA and DNA from FFPE samples without further degradation, maximizing yield. A single spin column can tolerate large amounts of paraffin.

Pro tip: Combine TRIzol Reagent with spin-column filter purification for exceptionally pure RNA.

Did you know? Flexible, optional on-column or post-isolation DNase treatment is available with the PureLink DNase Set for easy removal of residual DNA.

Image description: Workflow diagram showing Tissue culture -> RNA isolation with PureLink RNA Mini Kit -> RT-PCR with ProFlex PCR System -> Measure RNA with TaqMan Assays -> qPCR with QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System.

Column Purification Selection Guide

Product	Isolation Technology	Product Size	Time	Sample Input	Final Product	Recommended For
PureLink RNA Mini Kit	Silica or glass fiber spin column	10, 50, 250 preps	20 min	Bacteria, Blood, Cells, Plant, Tissue, Yeast	Total RNA	Microarray analysis, NGS, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, qPCR, RT-PCR, cDNA library construction
PureLink Viral RNA/DNA Mini Kit	Silica or glass fiber spin column	50 preps	45 min	Plasma, Serum, Cerebrospinal fluid, Cell-free fluids	gDNA	Cloning, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, Sequencing, NGS, Southern blotting, Northern blotting
mirVana miRNA Isolation Kit	Organic extraction and spin column	40 preps	30 min	Bacteria, Cells, Plant, Tissue, Virus, Yeast	Total RNA, transcriptome RNA, miRNA, siRNA, snRNA	miRNA analysis, NGS, Microarray analysis, qPCR, RT-PCR
RNAqueous Total RNA Isolation Kit	Silica or glass fiber spin column	50 preps	25-35 min	Bacteria, Cells, Plant, Tissue, Virus, Yeast	Total RNA	Microarray analysis, NGS, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, qPCR, RT-PCR, cDNA library construction
RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit	Silica or glass fiber spin column	40 preps	75 min	FFPE and other fixed samples	Genomic DNA, total RNA, miRNA	NGS, Northern blotting, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, Southern blotting, cDNA library construction, miRNA analysis

Ordering Information: (Details for various kits including mirVana, PureLink, RecoverAll, RNAqueous)

Crude Lysate Purification

Cells-to-CT Kits

Prepare tissue culture samples for gene expression analysis in 7 minutes without isolating RNA. Invitrogen Cells-to-CT kits enable high-throughput, high-sensitivity cell-based gene expression analysis without complex steps. They include cell lysis reagents, reverse transcriptases, and Applied Biosystems qPCR master mixes. Kits are available for 1-step and 2-step RT-qPCR and single-cell analysis.

The advanced Cells-to-CT Lysis Solution and Stop Solution are key to lysate-based gene expression analysis, liberating RNA without interfering with downstream analysis.

Did you know? The TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit was designed specifically for TaqMan Gene Expression Assays.

Newer kits feature faster, more sensitive reverse transcriptases and master mixes. The TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit processes a 96-well plate in 80 minutes, while the Invitrogen SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit takes 90 minutes.

Pro tip: For cost-effectiveness, design your own primers and use the SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit.

TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit

No tedious RNA purification (no columns, heating, centrifugation, or sample transfer).
Uses proprietary Lysis Solution and Stop Solution.
Extraordinary ease and speed: prepares 96 samples for RT-qPCR in <10 min.
Superior performance for consistent accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity with 10-100,000 cells.
Premium validated kit workflows.
Additional probe for superior specificity.
Detects virtually any gene product with over 2 million predesigned assays.
Affordable assays for human, mouse, and rat genes.
TaqMan Assays available for 28 species and some pathogens.

SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit

No tedious RNA purification.
Uses proprietary Lysis Solution and Stop Solution.
Extraordinary ease and speed: prepares 96 samples for RT-qPCR in <10 min.
Superior performance for consistent accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity with 10-100,000 cells.
Premium validated kit workflows.
High specificity for detecting targets.

Image description: Diagram illustrating the Cells-to-CT workflow: Cell Lysis + Stop Solution, Reverse transcription, and qPCR.

Figure 9 description: Comparison of workflows between Cells-to-CT kits and a supplier's product, showing faster isolation and higher RNA yield with Cells-to-CT.

Innovation: The Cells-to-CT Stop Solution allows greater sample input, increasing sensitivity for rare targets. The TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT kits can process 96 or 384 wells at once, with an experimental workflow of about 10 minutes.

Image description: Workflow diagram showing Cell culture -> Cell lysis -> qPCR -> Archive cDNA.

Cells-to-CT Product Selection Guide

PCR Method	Cells-to-CT 1-Step TaqMan Kit*	Cells-to-CT 1-Step Power SYBR Green Kit**	TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit	TaqMan Gene Expression Cells-to-CT Kit	SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit
Specificity	High	Medium	High	Medium	High
Reproducibility	High	Medium	High	Medium	High
Sensitivity	20% of lysate represented; 1-10 copies	13.5% of lysate represented	20% lysate	20% lysate	20% lysate
Product Size	20, 100, 400 preps	20, 100, 400 preps	40, 100, 400 preps	40, 100, 400 preps	40, 100, 400 preps
Lysate prep time	35 min	90 min	7 min prep	110 min	95 min
Total workflow time	N/A	N/A	80 min	N/A	N/A
Sample Input	10-100,000 cells	10-100,000 cells	10-100,000 cells	10-100,000 cells	10-100,000 cells
Final Product	RT-qPCR results	RT-qPCR results	RT-qPCR results; cDNA	RT-qPCR results; cDNA	RT-qPCR results; cDNA
Recommended For	Gene expression analysis using TaqMan Assays; Faster time-to-results; No cDNA archiving	Gene expression analysis using primers and SYBR Green; Faster time-to-results; No cDNA archiving	Gene expression analysis using TaqMan Assays; cDNA archiving; Maximum sensitivity	Gene expression analysis using TaqMan Assays; cDNA archiving	Gene expression analysis using primers and SYBR Green; cDNA archiving

Magnetic Beads

Make Your Research Magnetic

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers magnetic bead platforms, including Applied Biosystems MagMAX reagents and Invitrogen Dynabeads magnetic beads, balancing high yield and reproducibility with low nonspecific binding. These can be used with Thermo Scientific KingFisher instruments for high-throughput applications.

Image description: Diagram illustrating the magnetic beads process: Mix sample with beads, incubate, wash, and elute to obtain purified RNA.

MagMAX Magnetic Beads

MagMAX magnetic bead technology uses uniform, mono-sized superparamagnetic beads with an improved elution buffer for high binding efficiency and reproducibility. Kits are designed for simple, rapid, and automation-friendly nucleic acid extraction.

MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit

This flexible magnetic bead-based kit isolates total RNA, eluting in as little as 20 µL of nuclease-free water for concentrated RNA. It can purify 6 to 96 samples at once and is automatable with Thermo Scientific KingFisher magnetic particle processors.

Binds RNA more efficiently than silica-membrane methods.
Higher, more consistent RNA yields.
Streamlined protocols for phenol-free, scalable isolation of total RNA.
Recovers pure miRNA compatible with miRNA-Seq and RT-qPCR methods.

Image description: Graphs comparing miRNA levels measured by RT-qPCR for MagMAX mirVana kit versus Invitrogen mirVana PARIS kit, showing greater sensitivity with MagMAX.

Did you know? MagMAX kits were launched in 2004 for animal health testing, enabling fast, affordable RNA extraction.

MagMAX Plant RNA Isolation Kit

Designed to isolate total RNA from various plant species and tissue types, including woody, polyphenol-rich, and lignified samples. Provides high yields of pure total RNA storable long-term at -20°C and isolates high-quality, intact RNA free of inhibitors and gDNA contamination. It is adjustable for high-throughput automation and manual workflows.

Dynabeads Magnetic Beads

The Invitrogen Dynabeads mRNA DIRECT Kit is designed for simple and rapid isolation of pure, intact polyadenylated (poly(A)) mRNA directly from crude lysates of animal and plant cells and tissues.

Flexible, easy protocol scalable for all sample sizes.
Isolates mRNA from mammalian, fish, amphibian, insect, and plant tissues.
High capture efficiency facilitates detection by RT-PCR of mRNA from specialized cells.

Image description: Diagram illustrating the Dynabeads mRNA DIRECT Kit protocol, showing binding of poly(A) residues to oligo(dT)25-coupled Dynabeads.

Magnetic Bead-Based Purification Product Selection Guide

Product	Product Size	Time	Sample Input	Final Product	Recommended For
MagMAX mirVana Total RNA	6-96 reactions	1.5-2 hr	Blood cells, Liquid samples (serum), Tissue	Total RNA*	NGS, qPCR, miRNA analysis
Dynabeads mRNA DIRECT Purification Kit	20 preps with 5 mL	15 min	Blood cells, FFPE samples, Liquid samples (serum), Plant samples, Tissue, Viral samples, Yeast	mRNA	Cloning, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays, qPCR, RT-PCR, cDNA library construction
MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit	100 preps	<60 min	Serum, Plasma, Urine, CSF, Viral transport media, Whole blood, BAL, Swabs, Toenail fungus	RNA and DNA	NGS, Real-time PCR
MagMAX Cell-Free Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit	50 samples for 2 mL plasma input	90 min	Serum, Plasma, Urine	cfRNA and cfDNA	NGS, qPCR
MagMAX Microbiome Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit	100 preps	60 min	Stool, Soil, Swabs	RNA and DNA	Microarrays, qPCR, NGS
MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit	96 isolations (48 RNA and 48 DNA, or 96 DNA, or 96 RNA)	4 hr total time (1 hr hands-on)	FFPE tissue samples	RNA and DNA	NGS, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, miRNA analysis
MagMAX Plant RNA Isolation Kit	384 preps	75 min	Any plant sample	Total RNA	RT-PCR, qPCR, Sequencing, Northern blotting, Nuclease protection assays

Ribosomal RNA Depletion

Don't Forget to Deplete Ribosomal RNA

Invitrogen RiboMinus technology enriches RNA transcripts by selectively depleting ribosomal RNA (rRNA), even with varying polyadenylation status or 5' cap structure. The RiboMinus method removes the majority of abundant rRNA molecules (up to 99.9%) for better interrogation of less abundant transcripts.

RiboMinus Kits

RiboMinus Bacteria 2.0 Transcriptome Isolation Kit is developed for microbiome studies, enabling efficient transcriptome enrichment by depleting large rRNA from total bacterial RNA. It offers comprehensive rRNA removal, increased representation of species-level RNA transcripts, and ability to remove rRNA from gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It is compatible with KingFisher instruments.

Product	Product Size	Sample Input	Final Product	Recommended For
RiboMinus Bacteria 2.0 Transcriptome Isolation Kit	12 preps	100 ng-5 µg total RNA	Transcriptome RNA	NGS, Northern blotting, qPCR, RT-PCR, Sequencing, cDNA library construction
RiboMinus Eukaryote System v2	12 preps	1-5 µg total RNA	Transcriptome RNA	NGS, Northern blotting, qPCR, RT-PCR, Sequencing, cDNA library construction
RiboMinus Plant Kit for RNA-Seq	8 preps	2-10 µg total plant RNA	Transcriptome RNA	NGS, Northern blotting, qPCR, RT-PCR, Sequencing, cDNA library construction

Instruments

Instruments

Pair MagMAX purification kits with KingFisher instruments to automate RNA extractions. KingFisher instruments provide easy-to-follow, optimized protocols for RNA isolation from most sample types, saving time and reducing user error.

The instruments automate DNA, RNA, protein, and cell extraction by moving magnetic beads, ensuring clean and consistent results through a 4-step process: lyse, bind, wash, and elute.

Image description: Diagram illustrating how KingFisher instruments work, showing magnetic beads binding to a target and being moved through different stages for purification.

KingFisher Instrument Comparison

KingFisher instrument:	Duo Prime	Flex	Presto
Instrument size	Compact benchtop	Benchtop	Benchtop-integrates with robotic liquid handler
Throughput level	Low to medium	Medium to high	Ultrahigh
Processing volume range	50-1,000 µL (12-pin); 200-5,000 µL (6-pin)	20-100 µL (96-well PCR plate); 20-200 µL (96-well plate); 50-1,000 µL (96 deep-well plate); 200-5,000 µL (24 deep-well plate)	50-1,000 µL (96 deep-well plate); 200-5,000 µL (24 deep-well plate); 50-150 µL (96-well standard plate)
Samples per run	6 or 12	24 or 96	24 or 96
Customizable protocols	Yes, with PC software	Yes, with PC software	Yes, with PC software
Heating/cooling	10°C to 75°C (plate row A); 4°C to 75°C (elution strip)	5°C above ambient to 115°C	5°C above ambient to 115°C
Ultraviolet lamp	8 watts (up to 16 hr)	No	No

Qubit Flex Fluorometer

The Invitrogen Qubit Flex Fluorometer is a benchtop fluorometer for accurate quantification of DNA, RNA, miRNA, and protein. It measures up to 8 samples simultaneously, reducing assay variability and providing reproducible results. It works seamlessly with Qubit reagents.

Measures up to 8 samples, quantifying DNA, RNA, and protein up to 50% faster than single-sample readers.
Works seamlessly with Qubit reagents for reliable, sensitive, and specific results.
Highly accurate measurements using 1–20 µL of sample, even dilute samples.
Quickly generates working solution preparation instructions and determines sample molarity.

Tools: Reagent calculator, Assay range calculator, Molarity calculator, Normalization calculator.

Image description: Screenshots of the Qubit Flex Fluorometer interface showing various calculators. A bar chart compares time savings for Qubit Flex, Qubit 4, and other suppliers.

NanoDrop One Spectrophotometers

Check DNA, RNA, and protein quantity and quality using only 1-2 µL of sample in seconds. Thermo Scientific NanoDrop One and OneC Microvolume UV-Vis Spectrophotometers provide a complete understanding of sample quality with Acclaro sample intelligence technology. Results are accurate with full spectral data, identify contaminants, and can be easily transferred to PC or network.

Image description: A Thermo Scientific NanoDrop One Spectrophotometer. A bar chart shows RNA purity analysis for different tissue types.

Tips and Tricks for Specialty Samples

The biological nature of your sample type affects the purification method. Consider sample types like mammalian cells, blood cells, brain/kidney tissue, and bacteria/yeast/plants.

Specialty Kits for RNA Purification

Sample Type	1-24 Samples	>25 Samples
Cultured Cells	PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12); TRIzol Reagent (p 7)	Cells-to-CT kits (p 21); PureLink Pro 96 Total RNA Purification Kit (p 16)
Blood	PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12); TRIzol LS Reagent (p 9)	MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (p 23); Dynabeads mRNA DIRECT Kit (p 24)
Fresh or frozen brain and kidney tissue (RNAlater Solution)	TRIzol Plus RNA Purification Kit & Phasemaker Tubes (p 10); MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (p 23); PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12)	MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (p 23)
Fresh or frozen other animal tissues (RNAlater Solution)	PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12); TRIzol Plus RNA Purification Kit & Phasemaker Tubes (p 10)	MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit (p 23)
FFPE Samples	RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE (p 14)	MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit (p 25)
Plant	PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12); PureLink Plant RNA Reagent (p 12)	MagMAX Plant Isolation Kit (p 24)
Yeast	PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12)	Dynabeads mRNA DIRECT Purification Kit (p 24); MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit (p 25)
Bacteria	PureLink RNA Mini Kit (p 12); TRIzol Max Bacterial RNA Isolation Kit (p 9)	MagMAX Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit (AM1840)
Virus	PureLink Viral RNA/DNA Mini Kit (p 16); RNAqueous Total RNA Isolation Kit (p 16)	MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit (p 25)

Sample Prep Essentials

RNA is sensitive to degradation by RNases. Essential products to avoid, detect, and inhibit RNases include:

Invitrogen RNAlater Solution

A convenient, room temperature-stable solution for RNA storage and stabilization. It eliminates RNases and permeates tissue rapidly to stabilize cellular RNA.

Image description: Bottles of Invitrogen RNAlater Solution and Nuclease-Free Water.

Invitrogen Nuclease-Free Water

Purified water that is free of minerals and has a controlled pH, ensuring consistency when preparing reagents and resuspending RNA. It is filtered, autoclaved, and rigorously tested.

RNaseZap Solution

A room temperature-stable solution for quick and easy surface decontamination of pipettes and hard-to-reach surfaces. It helps ensure labware, instruments, and surfaces are RNase-free.

Image description: A bottle of RNaseZap solution, a box of Invitrogen RNase-free tubes, and a bottle of SUPERase-In RNase Inhibitor.

Invitrogen RNase-free tubes

Available in PCR, microcentrifuge, and conical tube formats. These tubes are autoclave-safe and have undergone rigorous testing.

SUPERase-In RNase Inhibitor

Effective at pH 5.5-8.5 and active up to 65°C, it removes high concentrations of dried-on RNase A and prevents RNase contamination in solutions. It does not interfere with other enzymes like RNA polymerases or reverse transcriptases.

Also available: Invitrogen RNase AWAY Decontamination Reagent.

Ordering Information

Detailed ordering information is provided for various RNA lab essentials, including tips, tubes, water, decontamination solutions, and stabilization solutions.

Services and Support

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers comprehensive services and support through over 1,300 specialists worldwide:

Service plans: Planned maintenance and guaranteed response times to minimize downtime. ⚙️
Compliance services: Timely, cost-effective, and audit-ready documentation. ✔️
Analytical validation (AV) consulting services: Technical project management and data analysis support. ?
Bioinformatics and IT services: Consulting with bioinformatics application scientists for software and workflow optimization. ?
Education services: Application and instrument training programs available globally. ?

Find out more at thermofisher.com/instrumentservices.

RNA Technical Resources

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an essential resource for nucleic acid purification and analysis support. Navigate categories for technical information, tips, and answers to everyday problems.

Support

thermofisher.com/napsupport ⚙️
thermofisher.com/technicalresources
Email: techsupport@thermofisher.com

Web Resources

thermofisher.com/contactus
thermofisher.com/prepforsuccess
thermofisher.com/rnaextraction
thermofisher.com/magmax
thermofisher.com/kingfisher
thermofisher.com/rnaessentials

Find out more and order at thermofisher.com/rnabasics.

Find out more at thermofisher.com/rocktheprep.

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