Quantifying DNA Using the Qubit v1

There are two Qubit assays that we will generally be using: (1) the dsDNA BR assay (double-stranded DNA broad range assay) for DNA that has just been extracted (quantification range is 4-4,000 ng); and (2) the dsDNA HS assay (double-stranded DNA high sensitivity assay) for quantification of NGS libraries and other similar applications (quantification range 0.1-120 ng). See image below for ranges of quantification associated with each assay. The protocol is essentially the same regardless of which of the two assays you are using (dsDNA BR or dsDNA HS). Note that, in addition to getting readings of your samples, you also need to get readings for the two standards that come with the kit each time you use the machine. The kit also contains two solutions (in addition to the two standards): (1) the “Reagent” solution that contains the appropriate detection molecule(s), and (2) the “Buffer” solution, to which the detection molecules will be mixed, and then will be added to your samples. These two are mixed as a ‘cocktail’ prior to being added to each sample and the standards.