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Measure dsDNA, ssDNA or RNA

Thermo Scientific NanoDrop One User Guide 15

Best practices for nucleic acid measurements

• Isolate and purify nucleic acid samples before measurement to remove impurities.

Depending on the sample, impurities could include DNA, RNA, free nucleotides,

proteins, some buffer components and dyes. See Preparing Samples for more information.

• Ensure the sample absorbance is within the instrument’s absorbance detection limits.

• Blank with the same buffer solution used to resuspend the analyte of interest. The

blanking solution should be a similar pH and ionic strength as the analyte solution.

•Run a blanking cycle to assess the absorbance contribution of your buffer solution. If the

buffer exhibits strong absorbance at or near the analysis wavelength (typically 260 nm),

you may need to choose a different buffer or application. See Choosing and Measuring a

Blank for more information.

• For micro-volume measurements:

– Ensure pedestal surfaces are properly cleaned and conditioned.

– If possible, heat highly concentrated or large molecule samples, such as genomic or

lambda DNA, to 63 °C (145 °F) and gently (but thoroughly) vortex before taking a

measurement. Avoid introducing bubbles when mixing and pipetting.

– Follow best practices for micro-volume measurements.

– Use a 1-2 μL sample volume. See Recommended Sample Volumes for more

information.

• For cuvette measurements (NanoDrop One

instruments only), use compatible cuvettes

and follow best practices for cuvette measurements.

Thermo NanoDrop One - Page 21