0
$\begingroup$

I was wondering if I have to use special RNA loading dye or can I run RNA samples with regular loading dye that is used for DNA?

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ What are you running? $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 23, 2018 at 16:39
  • $\begingroup$ I did electrophoresis of my RNA probes for in situ hybridization several times, and every time they were degraded. I am trying to figure out what was wrong, so I realized I used DNA loading dye every time. I just wanted to check if that could be the problem. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 23, 2018 at 18:04

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Handling of RNA requires extra care, especially using RNase-free pipette tips, tubes and reagents, to prevent RNase contamination. Common labware and reagents usually indicate whether they are RNase-free certified. If there is no such mention written on the box or label, then you should assume it is not RNase-free and you should not use it to handle your RNA.

Check whether your loading dye is certified RNase-free (this should be written on the tube, or easy to find out on the manufacturer's website using the product reference number). If it is, and you exclusively used RNase-free certified tools and reagents all the way, then maybe the loading dye tube or something else got contaminated by one of your co-workers.

$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .