Maximize your RT-qPCR success with optimized starting material

RT-qPCR requires both high-quality RNA as starting material and optimal conversion of the RNA to a DNA copy for accurate real-time PCR detection (qPCR). When an RNA quantitation step is added you’ll be better able to optimize your qPCR analysis.

Learn more about optimizing each step in the workflow by clicking on the tabs below.

The sensitivity and accuracy of RT-qPCR detection depends on the quality and quantity of your input cDNA, which in turn depends on the quality and integrity of the isolated RNA. One important step for avoiding false positives and background is the removal of genomic DNA.

Invitrogen Ambion RNA purification products from Thermo Fisher Scientific help simplify RNA Extraction for Real-Time PCR. You can also capture your RT-qPCR results directly from cells with Cells-to-CT.

Compare RNA isolation kits for fresh and frozen cells:

 
 Order NowOrder NowOrder NowOrder Now
 Rapid & reliable methodHigh-throughput purificationmicroRNA from most samplesRNA from precious micro-sized samples
 PureLink RNA Mini KitMagMAX-96 Total RNA Isolation KitmirVana miRNA Isolation KitRNAqueous-Micro Kit
RNA type(s) isolatedLarge RNA molecules only (mRNA and rRNA)Large RNA molecules only (mRNA and rRNA)Small & large RNA molecules (microRNA, tRNA, mRNA, rRNA)Small & large RNA molecules (microRNA, tRNA, mRNA, rRNA)
Isolation methodFast, convenient silica columnScalable, flexible format with magnetic beadsHighest purity and convenience; includes both organic extraction and silica columnFast, convenient low elution silica column
Preparation time20 minutes<45 minutes30 minutes15 minutes
Amount of starting material10 mg to 100 mg of tissue
Up to 5 x 107 cells
Up to 10 mg of tissue
Up to 100,000 cells
Up to 100 mg of tissue
Up to 1 x 107 cells
Up to 10 mg of tissue
Up to 100,000 cells
Kit size (preps)50964050

The Qubit™ and Quant-iT™ RNA assays provide specific, sensitive RNA and microRNA quantification, even at low concentrations, with minimal interference from contaminants.

Unlike UV absorbance readings, which are less discriminate, these assays distinguish between DNA, RNA, proteins, and free nucleotides with higher sensitivity than UV absorbance readings, making it possible to measure low-abundance samples. In addition, an intuitive format makes it easier and faster to get your quantifation results.

Find out more about Qubit™ and Quant-iT™ technology for your precious samples.

 

For reliable generation of first strand cDNA, SuperScript IV VILO Master Mix brings you proven SuperScript IV Reverse Transcriptase formulated in an enhanced buffer system.  Reduce amplification bias from low- or high-abundance gene products, and capture data that exhibits superior linearity across a broad range of input material. 

The SuperScript IV VILO Master Mix is available in a convenient single-tube format, facilitating a simplified, time-saving workflow and helping to reduce the risk of contamination.

Find out more about the SuperScript IV VILO Master Mix ›

 

The sensitivity and accuracy of RT-qPCR detection depends on the quality and quantity of your input cDNA, which in turn depends on the quality and integrity of the isolated RNA. One important step for avoiding false positives and background is the removal of genomic DNA.

Invitrogen Ambion RNA purification products from Thermo Fisher Scientific help simplify RNA Extraction for Real-Time PCR. You can also capture your RT-qPCR results directly from cells with Cells-to-CT.

Compare RNA isolation kits for fresh and frozen cells:

 
 Order NowOrder NowOrder NowOrder Now
 Rapid & reliable methodHigh-throughput purificationmicroRNA from most samplesRNA from precious micro-sized samples
 PureLink RNA Mini KitMagMAX-96 Total RNA Isolation KitmirVana miRNA Isolation KitRNAqueous-Micro Kit
RNA type(s) isolatedLarge RNA molecules only (mRNA and rRNA)Large RNA molecules only (mRNA and rRNA)Small & large RNA molecules (microRNA, tRNA, mRNA, rRNA)Small & large RNA molecules (microRNA, tRNA, mRNA, rRNA)
Isolation methodFast, convenient silica columnScalable, flexible format with magnetic beadsHighest purity and convenience; includes both organic extraction and silica columnFast, convenient low elution silica column
Preparation time20 minutes<45 minutes30 minutes15 minutes
Amount of starting material10 mg to 100 mg of tissue
Up to 5 x 107 cells
Up to 10 mg of tissue
Up to 100,000 cells
Up to 100 mg of tissue
Up to 1 x 107 cells
Up to 10 mg of tissue
Up to 100,000 cells
Kit size (preps)50964050

The Qubit™ and Quant-iT™ RNA assays provide specific, sensitive RNA and microRNA quantification, even at low concentrations, with minimal interference from contaminants.

Unlike UV absorbance readings, which are less discriminate, these assays distinguish between DNA, RNA, proteins, and free nucleotides with higher sensitivity than UV absorbance readings, making it possible to measure low-abundance samples. In addition, an intuitive format makes it easier and faster to get your quantifation results.

Find out more about Qubit™ and Quant-iT™ technology for your precious samples.

 

For reliable generation of first strand cDNA, SuperScript IV VILO Master Mix brings you proven SuperScript IV Reverse Transcriptase formulated in an enhanced buffer system.  Reduce amplification bias from low- or high-abundance gene products, and capture data that exhibits superior linearity across a broad range of input material. 

The SuperScript IV VILO Master Mix is available in a convenient single-tube format, facilitating a simplified, time-saving workflow and helping to reduce the risk of contamination.

Find out more about the SuperScript IV VILO Master Mix ›

 

Citations

Deben, C et al. (2013) Expression analysis on archival material revisited: isolation and quantification of RNA extracted from FFPE samples.Diagn Mol Pathol 22(1):59-64.

“A fluorometric analysis is more suitable for quantification of RNA samples extracted from FFPE tissue  compared with spectrophotometric analysis." (Qubit® RNA quantitation)

Simbolo, M et al. (2013) DNA qualification workflow for next generation sequencing of histopathological samples.PLoS One 8(6):e62692.

"NanoDrop measured DNA concentrations higher than Qubit and its consistency with dsDNA quantification by qPCR was limited to high molecular weight DNA from FF samples and cell lines, where total DNA and dsDNA quantity virtually coincide. In partially degraded DNA from FFPE samples, only Qubit proved highly reproducible and consistent with qPCR measurements.”

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.