Qubit RNA Integrity and Quality (IQ) Assay Kit provides a fast, simple method to check whether an RNA sample has degraded using a Qubit 4 or Qubit Flex fluorometer. The RNA IQ assay utilizes two unique dyes: one that binds to large, intact, and/or highly structured RNA (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA), and another that selectively binds to small and/or degraded RNA. Together they enable you to quickly assess the quality and integrity of the RNA sample.

To use, simply add your samples to the RNA IQ working solution, then measure the signal on a Qubit 4 or Qubit Flex fluorometer. Results are presented as an RNA IQ number (RNA IQ#) that indicates the RNA sample integrity and quality. Results are also posted as a calculated percent of large and small RNA in the sample. The RNA IQ# is a value from 1 to 10, similar to other RNA quality scores, where a small number indicates that the sample is comprised of mainly small RNA and a larger number indicates that the sample consists of mainly large RNA or RNA with tertiary structure.

Other features of the Qubit RNA IQ Assay Kit include:
• 5S and tRNA tertiary structure binds large RNA dye
• Accuracy even in the presence of salts, protein, solvents, and RNA stabilization reagents
• Signal stable for 1 hour

Solution-based chemistry in line with electrophoresis
The RNA IQ assay results correlate well with electrophoretic methods. The primary difference between the solution-based RNA IQ assay and traditional electrophoresis-based techniques is the amount of time it takes to ascertain whether an RNA sample has degraded. Gels are considered easy to perform, but still take time. Microfluidic-based methods not only take time to obtain results, but often have lengthy procedures to prepare the samples. Gel or microfluidic-based electrophoresis is still recommended for obtaining fragment size information or size distribution of the RNA sample.

Qubit RNA IQ Assay Standards
Qubit RNA IQ Assay RNA standards are designed for use with the Qubit RNA IQ Assay Kit. Sufficient amounts of the small and large and/or structured RNA standard are supplied for generating an IQ standard curve for up to 500 samples. The RNA IQ standards are designed to measure RNA degradation and are not interchangeable with the standards from other RNA quantitation assays, including the Qubit RNA HS, BR, or XR assay kits.

Notes
• Qubit RNA IQ assay kits are designed to work on Qubit 4 and Qubit Flex fluorometers
• The assay is not designed for use with Qubit, Qubit 2.0, or Qubit 3 fluorometers
• Use thin-wall, clear, 0.5 mL PCR tubes (Cat. No. Q32856) for the Qubit 4 Fluorometer and 8 x 200 μL tube strips (Cat. No. Q33252) for the Qubit Flex Fluorometer