NanoDrop™ Eight Pipette Guide

All of the DNA instruments offered by Thermo Fisher Scientific are of excellent quality. To find the right instrument to quantify DNA or RNA in your lab, explore the detailed comparison of UV-Vis spectrophotometers and fluorometers. Things like sensitivity, throughput and budget may be initial considerations when selecting a DNA quantification instrument. You may also consider whether you need target specificity, sample purity information, RNA quality information, or broad dynamic range.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.

UV and fluorescence technologies work differently to quantify DNA. UV quantification relies on the intrinsic absorptivity of DNA and RNA molecules, while fluorescence quantification uses dyes that specifically bind to your molecule of choice. With UV technology, quantification isn't as sensitive, but it has a broader dynamic range and also gives data about sample purity‒plus it is faster because there is no reagent prep. With fluorescence technology you get higher sensitivity and molecule-specific data, but it has lower dynamic range and reagent prep is required. The technology you need will depend on what features are important for your lab and experimentation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.