Sample requirements

RNA sample requirements and RIN values

Minimum input, concentration, RIN and purity for bulk RNA-seq, small RNA, single-cell and spatial workflows. Including what we accept from degraded and FFPE material, where a standard RIN threshold does not apply.

← All sample submission guidelines

Transcriptomics platform

RNA sequencing service sample requirements

RNA can be submitted in RNase-free water, RNA stabilization reagent, or 10mM Tris pH 8.0. Total RNA should be DNA-free, with A260/A280 ≥ 1.8, A260/A230 ≥ 1.8 and RIN ≥ 6. Ship on dry ice. These requirements apply to our Transcriptomics platform (bulk RNA-seq and RT-qPCR validation).

Concentration note. Values below assume fluorometry. Using spectrophotometry instead (e.g. Nanodrop)? Increase concentrations by roughly 2×.
RNA sequencing services12 services · view full table +
ServiceSample typeRecommended quantityMinimum quantityMinimum concentration
Whole Transcriptome SequencingTotal RNA≥ 3 µg1 µg20 ng/µL
Low-Input RNA SequencingTotal RNA≥ 20 ng20 pg1 pg/µL
mRNA SequencingTotal RNA≥ 500 ng200 ng20 ng/µL
Cells≥ 1×10⁶
Tissue≥ 50 mg10 mg
Total RNA / LncRNA SequencingTotal RNA≥ 2 µg500 ng50 ng/µL
Cells≥ 2×10⁶
Tissue≥ 500 mg100 mg
CircRNA Sequencing (linear RNA digestion)Total RNA≥ 5 µg2 µg50 ng/µL
Cells≥ 2×10⁶
Tissue≥ 500 mg100 mg
MetatranscriptomeTotal RNA≥ 4 µg3 µg50 ng/µL
Cells≥ 5×10⁶
Environmental samples≥ 1.5 g
Bacterial RNA SequencingTotal RNA≥ 1 µg
Cells≥ 1×10⁷
TCR-seqTotal RNA≥ 100 ng10 ng/µL
Ribo-seqCells≥ 5×10⁶–10⁷
Tissue≥ 400 mg200 mg
Dual RNA-seqTotal RNA≥ 1 µg200 ng10 ng/µL
Cells≥ 5×10⁶
Tissue≥ 500 mg100 mg
Exosomal RNA SequencingTotal RNA≥ 100 ng20 ng/µL
Cell supernatants≥ 15 mL
Serum, plasma≥ 1 mL

Exosomal RNA Sequencing above covers cargo analysis on our Exosomes & EVs platform. EV isolation and characterization (NTA, Western blot) use the same starting biofluid volumes. Confirm exact volume with us if you need isolation only, without RNA-seq.

Transcriptomics & Genomics platforms

Single-cell sequencing & spatiotemporal genomics

ScRNA-seq and 10X Visium run on our Transcriptomics platform; scATAC-seq and single-cell genome sequencing run on our Genomics platform.

Single-cell & spatial genomics requirementsview full table +
ServiceSample typeRecommended quantity & qualityMinimum quantity & quality
ScRNA-seqSingle cell suspension, fresh tissue2×10⁶ cells1×10⁶ cells
SnRNA-seqSnap-frozen tissue≥ 100 mg (contact us for details)
10X Visium Spatial TranscriptomeOCT-embedded tissue, FFPE6.5 mm × 6.5 mm section
scATAC-seqSingle-cell nuclei suspension1×10⁶ · nuclei <40 µm, intact membrane, >95% intact proportion5×10⁵
Single-cell suspension≥1×10⁶ · viability >80%, 700–1200 cells/µL5×10⁵
Fresh tissue200 mg
Whole blood (EDTA)≥ 5 mL
Single Cell Genome SequencingCells1–10³ · stored in 1× PBS (no Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺), ≤2 µL volume
DNA≥ 0.5 pg
ScRRBSCell lines, primary cells, fresh tissue, frozen cells200 µL PCR tubes, 5 µL lysate/tube, ≤1 µL buffer when collecting cells · ≥3 biological replicates

Not sure which service fits?

Tell us your sample type and biological question, and we'll scope the right platform.