Ribonuclease-Free (RNase-Free) Supplies and Reagents for Nuclease-Free Lab Spaces

Trace amount of ribonuclease (RNase) contamination can sabotage your laboratory experiments. RNA is known to be difficult to work with because it is readily degraded by RNases that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on our hands. Utilizing certified RNase-free supplies and reagents can help protect your experimental results.

Manufactured with rigorous nuclease (includes RNase) contamination controls that include stringent quality specifications, our products are designed to meet the needs of researchers working with RNA. Our nuclease-free products are tested to help ensure that no traces of contaminating nonspecific endonuclease, exonuclease, and RNase activities are present.

Presence of nucleases such as DNase and RNase can degrade a molecular sample, interfering with downstream analysis. Researchers working with RNA know that RNA is unstable and degrades rapidly. Even trace quantities of RNases can lead to lower yields from in vitro transcription reactions, degradation during RNA purification protocols, and produce variable results after RT-qPCR. It is vital to protect targeted molecular samples from the RNases that can break them down. All labware should be RNase-free before commencing molecular research; this includes instruments, surfaces, protective wear, and consumables involved.

Surfaces including benchtops, pipettes, glassware, and benchtop instruments are common sources of RNase contamination in the lab and should be treated with a surface decontamination agent. For instance, if sterile gloves have contacted bare skin, touched a refrigerator handle, door handle, pipettor, pen or pencil, or any phone, the gloves should subsequently not be considered RNase-free. For more details, you can learn about the basics of RNase control or explore the surface decontamination products provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Explore: Surface decontamination

RNase-free products can be broken down into four categories: RNase inhibition, RNase detection, RNase decontamination, RNase stabilization.

Because of the importance of keeping lab spaces nuclease-free, there are many products to help inhibit, detect, and decontaminate RNases, as well as preserve and stabilize RNA. Products that can help make your laboratory RNase-free:

Another way to keep your laboratory RNase-free is to utilize certified nuclease-free and RNase-free supplies and reagents. View our catalog of nuclease-free tubes, tips, water, buffers, and reagents: