Expert hands-on: RNA extraction best practices

critical

Purified RNA Shows Degradation

Bioanalyzer or gel electrophoresis reveals smearing or loss of distinct RNA bands. RNA integrity number (RIN) is significantly reduced compared to input material.

💡 4 · ✓ 5

severe

Low RNA Yield After Cleanup

Recovered RNA concentration is significantly lower than expected based on input amount. Spectrophotometric measurement shows inadequate RNA quantity for downstream applications.

💡 5 · ✓ 5

moderate

Low A260/230 Ratio Indicates Contaminant Carryover

Spectrophotometric analysis shows A260/230 ratio below 1.8-2.0, indicating residual guanidine salt or other chaotropic agent contamination in the purified RNA.

💡 4 · ✓ 5