QIAxcel RNA Kits

For automated quantitative and qualitative RNA analysis using QIAxcel instruments

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QIAxcel RNA High Sensitivity Kit (1200)

Cat. No. / ID:  929112

QIAxcel RNA High Sensitivity Gel Cartridge, Buffers, Mineral Oil, QX Intensity Calibration Marker, QX RNA Alignment Marker, QX RNA Size Marker 200–6000 nt, QX RNA Denaturation Buffer, 12-Tube Strips
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Cartridge type
High Sensitivity
RNA QC
Note: The QIAxcel High Sensitivity Kit only works with the QIAxcel Connect
QIAxcel RNA Kits are intended for molecular biology applications. These products are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.

✓ 24/7 automatic processing of online orders

✓ Knowledgeable and professional Product & Technical Support

✓ Fast and reliable (re)-ordering

Features

  • Objective RNA quality measurement with RNA Integrity Score (RIS)
  • Robust results using as little as 50 pg/μl of diluted total RNA
  • Safety and convenience with ready-to-use gel cartridges
  • Higher sensitivity and faster than agarose gel electrophoresis
  • Standardized processing with digital data collection

Product Details

QIAxcel RNA Kits provide fully automated quantitative and qualitative analysis of up to 96 RNA samples per run on QIAxcel instruments. Automated sample loading and analysis reduce manual handling of samples, minimizing the risk of RNA degradation and contamination. The system can detect as little as 50 pg/μl of diluted total RNA and 50 ng/µl of cRNA or single-stranded cDNA. When used together with the updated QIAxcel ScreenGel software, the new QIAGEN RNA Integrity Score (RIS) provides an objective quality measurement of eukaryotic RNA samples and allows easy interpretation of sample integrity.

The QIAxcel RNA High Sensitivity Kit only works with the QIAxcel Connect. The QIAxcel RNA QC Kit works with either the QIAxcel Connect or QIAxcel Advanced Instruments. QIAxcel RNA Accessories are compatible with both QIAxcel RNA Kits.

 

 

Performance

Fast, sensitive analysis of RNA

RNA quality is a critical factor for reliable results in gene expression studies and miRNA research, in which sensitive technologies such as real-time PCR or microarray analysis are used. Monitoring the integrity of the initial total RNA sample as well as products generated throughout the entire procedure is crucial, since their integrity strongly influences the predictive power of the detection method. Fully automated QIAxcel instruments enable fast and sensitive analysis of the integrity and quantity of total RNA and fragmented or intact cRNA (see figure  Streamlined RNA analysis using the QIAxcel system). Automated sample loading and analysis reduce manual handling of samples, minimizing the risk of RNA degradation and contamination. The degradation state of samples can be easily analyzed on QIAxcel instruments (see figures  Analysis of degraded RNA and  Analysis of plant RNA).
Objective quality values with the new RNA Integrity Score

The new QIAGEN RNA Integrity Score (RIS) provides an objective quality measurement for eukaryotic RNA samples and allows easy interpretation of sample integrity. The RIS is a value from 1 to 10 where a value of 10 indicates completely intact RNA (see figure  RIS indicates RNA integrity). The highly reproducible RIS eliminates the need for human interpretation and enables the implementation of rigorous quality control at appropriate breakpoints across workflows. This allows researchers to eliminate samples that do not meet the quality criteria required for downstream processes, reducing the risk of needing to repeat experiments and saving time and costs.
RNA analysis on QIAxcel instruments is highly reproducible and gives results comparable to the Agilent Bioanalyzer.
See figures

Principle

QIAxcel instruments use capillary gel electrophoresis to enable fast size-based separation of nucleic acids (see figure  Sample separation process). Unlike traditional agarose gel electrophoresis, separation is performed in a capillary of a ready-to-use gel cartridge. The samples are automatically loaded into an individual capillary and voltage is applied. The negatively charged nucleic acid molecules migrate through the capillary to the positively charged terminus. As with agarose gel electrophoresis, low-molecular-weight molecules migrate faster than high-molecular-weight molecules. As the molecules migrate through the capillary, they pass a detector which detects and measures the fluorescent signal. A photomultiplier converts the fluorescent signal into electronic data, which are then transferred to the computer for further processing using QIAxcel ScreenGel software. After processing, the data are displayed as an electropherogram or gel image.
See figures

Procedure

QIAxcel RNA Kits simplify separation and analysis of RNA, and provide increased user safety. Just a few simple steps are required: load the gel cartridge, fill and load the buffer tray, load the samples in 96-well plates or in PCR tubes or strips, select the process profile to be used — and go! Tedious gel preparation and extensive user training are eliminated, streamlining the workflow and facilitating integration of the system into the daily lab routine. Within minutes of starting a run, the first results appear in real time on the computer screen.

Applications

QIAxcel RNA Kits provide fast and sensitive analysis of the integrity and quantity of total RNA and cRNA (fragmented or intact).

Supporting data and figures

Resources

Brochures & Guides (3)
A protocol for evaluating quality of RNA samples using the QIAxcel Advanced Instrument and ScreenGel software version 1.3 or higher
Safety Data Sheets (1)
Kit Handbooks (3)
For automated quantitative and qualitative RNA analysis using the QIAxcel and QIAxcel Advanced instruments
For automated quantitative and qualitative RNA analysis using the QIAxcel Connect instrument
For automated quantitative and qualitative RNA analysis using the QIAxcel and QIAxcel Advanced instruments
Quick-Start Protocols (1)
Instrument User Manuals (1)
For use with QIAxcel Advanced instruments and QIAxcel ScreenGel Software version 1.6
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

Why does an intensity calibration of the gel cartridge for the QIAxcel System and QIAxcel Advanced need to be performed?

The intensity calibration procedure on the QIAxcel System and QIAxcel Advanced is performed to normalize the signal intensities across all 12 channels of the gel cartridge. This corrects for natural intensity reading variations between each capillary in the cartridge. A correction factor is determined and applied for every subsequent run performed with the cartridge.

FAQ ID -1824
What is the nature of the gel in the QIAxcel RNA QC kit v2.0? Is it denaturing?

No, the RNA gel itself is not denaturing. It is a native polymer gel. 

FAQ ID - 3366
What is the concentration range for RNA Integrity Score analysis when using the QIAxcel RNA High Sensitivity Kit?
When analysing RNA Integrity Score with the QIAxcel RNA High Sensitivity Kit - samples must be in the concentration range of 1 ng/µL - 50 ng/µL. 
FAQ ID - 3984

Where are the QIAxcel data stored?

For the BioCalculator software, the default data folder is:

C:\Program Files\QIAGEN\QIAxcel BioCalculator\Data.

For the ScreenGel software, the default data folders are:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\QIAGEN\QIAxcel\ScreenGel\Data\Experiment (for a computer with Windows XP operation system) or C:\ProgramData\QIAGEN\QIAxcel\ScreenGel\Data\Experiment\ (for a computer with Windows 7 operating system).

Alternatively, you can more conveniently access the ScreenGel experiment data folder using the menu options File\Open data directory\Experiment within the ScreenGel software.

FAQ -9008
How can drying out of the gel cartridge tips used on the QIAxcel System and QIAxcel Advanced be prevented?

If the gel cartridge tips for the QIAxcel System and QIAxcel Advanced are in contact with air, the tips will dry out. There are 3 ways of preventing the tips from drying.

  1. Store the cartridge in the instrument with the instrument in the “Park” position. The washing solution (8 ml) covered with mineral oil must be in the “Park” position of the Solution Tray. 
  2. Store the cartridge in the Cartridge Stand with enough mineral oil in the well of the Cartridge Stand to cover the capillary tips. The Cartridge Stand should only be used for short term storage, i.e. when changing cartridges during one working day. 
  3. Place the cartridge back into its packaging with the capillary tips gently inserted into the soft gel in the box.
FAQ ID -1823
Why does the ScreenGel software version 1.2 crash when I try to use an old reference size marker table?

The reference size marker table created by ScreenGel version 1.1 or earlier is incompatible with ScreenGel version 1.2. Re-analyze the size marker run in ScreenGel version 1.2 and create a new reference size marker table for future use.

FAQ -9009
Why is the cartridge not recognized?

When using the BioCalculator software, ensure the color of the software key matches the type of cartridge used. For example, the QIAxcel Fast Analysis cartridge requires the red software key, while the QIAxcel High Resolution cartridge requires the blue software key.

In addition, check that the communication between the computer and the instrument is established. Further, check that the smart key is inserted securely.

If the issue persists, contact QIAGEN Technical Services and provide the cartridge ID and lot number, which is printed on the packaging of QIAxcel cartridges.

FAQ -9004
How do I perform the filter test?

When using the BioCalculator software, select Settings under File in the Instrument control panel window. In the new windows, click Check Filter in the new window and follow the on-screen prompts.

When using the ScreenGel software, log in to the ScreenGel software with an account with basic or advanced privilege.  Select System Check under the Service environment. Select Filter Check and click Start.

Please send the filter test result to QIAGEN Technical Services for further assistance.

FAQ -9006
Why is the signal of the QX alignment marker weak?

Incorrect storage can lead to QX alignment marker degradation. The QX alignment markers can be used for 50 runs or 3 days, whichever comes first. Opened QX alignment marker should be store at –20°C between uses.

FAQ -9003
I have upgraded the ScreenGel software to version 1.2. How can I stop the software crash when I try to select a cartridge?

Please delete the 6 obsolete method files as outlines in the Important Note QIAxcel ScreenGel Software

FAQ -9010
How do I perform the detector test?

When using the BioCalculator software, select Detector test under File in the Instrument control panel window. Perform the Detector test with and without a cartridge latched inside the QIAxcel. Feedback is not shown on the screen when you select the Detect test. Instead, the file named detector.asc is saved at C:\Program Files\QIAGEN\QIAxcel BioCalculator. Change the file name before performing another detector test.

Note: Older versions of BioCalculator software save the detector.asc at C:\Program Files\QIAxcel BioCalculator.

When using the ScreenGel software, log in to the ScreenGel with an account with basic or advanced privilege.  Select System Check under the Service environment. Select Detector Test and click Start. The file is saved at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\QIAGEN\QIAxcel\ScreenGel\Data\Troubleshooting\Troubleshooting_xxxxxxxx (current date in the format of YYYYMMDD) for a computer with Windows XP operating system or C:\ProgramData\QIAGEN\QIAxcel\ScreenGel\Data\Troubleshooting for a computer with Windows 7 operating system. Alternatively, you can perform a screen capture for the Detector test result.

Please send the Detector test results to QIAGEN Technical Services for further assistance.

FAQ -9006