Abstract
Quality control of nucleic acid starting material is essential to ensure the success of downstream experiments. Especially, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) developed to a powerful tool in almost all genetic research and diagnostic areas. Due to the establishment of low input library protocols for NGS workflows sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) became possible. Since the downstream applications are often time-consuming and expensive, tight QC steps are required to ensure that samples are fit for purposes. These QC steps can be performed with automated electrophoresis systems.
Different cell-free DNA samples were evaluated for Sample quality with an Agilent 4200 TapeStation system and the Agilent Cell-free DNA ScreenTape assay.
Depending on preanalytical sample treatment or extraction methods the quality of cfDNA can vary. The results include a score to qualify cfDNA samples according to their contamination level with high molecular weight material. This allows defining a threshold for objective sample qualification prior to library preparation.
Moreover, accurate quantification of cfDNA samples is essential to determine suitable input amounts for cfDNA library preparation prior to sequencing.
Quality control of cfDNA is essential to ensure the success of downstream experiments. Automated electrophoresis systems standardize sample quality control and enable objective sample integrity assessment as well as the establishment of quality thresholds.