miRNA Profiling Services

Asuragen Services provides a comprehensive solution to your miRNA analysis needs. By using our rich heritage in RNA we are able to contribute a high level of expertise to miRNA research. We have applied this experience to every platform we add to our portfolio of offerings.

Services Available

Method and Staff Qualification

Asuragen employees have been developing and using miRNA profiling technologies since 2003. We have experience with a wide range of sample types, labeling methods, hybridization and washing protocols, scanning platforms, normalization schemes, and data analysis. Any new profiling technology or new operator at Asuragen Services must demonstrate quality performance based on objective, quantitative measures before either is put in service for client GLP projects. In the case of gene expression profiling, Asuragen measures the following parameters against established benchmarks prior to release of a new GLP protocol:

  • Sensitivity
  • Specificity
  • Linear range, dynamic range, or range of quantitation
  • Reproducibility

When a new team member joins the analysis team, they are provided hands-on training with Asuragen-provided test materials. After their training period, data from a qualification set of samples is evaluated on each operator before they are considered “qualified” and allowed to process client samples. Operator metrics are tracked daily, with appropriate contingencies in the event QC metrics fall below specified levels. We are proud of our team members and they are proud of the work they do on your studies.

Quality Control

No matter how robust the downstream processes, good data is dependent on sample quality; consequently, accurate measurement of sample quality is essential before deciding if a sample merits further analysis. All samples prepared by Asuragen Services are routinely qualified by spectrophotometry with the NanoDrop spectrophotometer and the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. Due to the degraded nature of RNA from FFPE tissues, special quality control measurements are used in place of the Bioanalyzer. miRNA quality cannot be interrogated directly in most samples because it represents 0.1 to 0.01% of the total RNA population, so Asuragen relies on conventional measures of RNA quality as a proxy for miRNA quality and amount. However Asuragen’s procedures on several platforms incorporate spiked-in controls and qRT-PCR measurements to assess quality at various stages of processing.

Regardless of downstream application, detailed QC reports including nucleic acid concentration, RNA integrity (RIN), electropherograms where applicable, and purity are provided on each sample. For FFPE samples, concentration and QC pass/fail information is provided. If a sample does not pass a recommended QC metric for analysis, you will be contacted promptly to discuss possible solutions. These may include replacing the sample or re-isolating the RNA, excluding the sample from further analysis, or proceeding at-risk.

Asuragen’s rigorous procedures enable Asuragen to be the only service provider to offer a Data Quality Guarantee:

If, for any reason, a qualified sample does not pass our process control specifications, we will re-run the sample at no additional charge.

Read more about our commitment to the best possible data quality, or read about our contributions to in-process controls and standardization.

Sample Handling and Processing

All samples are received and entered into the analysis queue under a controlled SOP to confirm package/sample integrity, appropriate shipping conditions (frozen samples/dry ice, as appropriate), and individual confirmation of sample identity against the shipping manifest and electronic sample submission form and instructions.

Turn-around Time

Most projects are completed in one to two weeks. If you have a critical time requirement, we can often meet your need for no additional charge. Read more about our commitment to prompt turn-around times.

Additional Services Available

Requirements for miRNA Expression Profiling Services

Sample Input Requirements for the services listed above are found in the Sample Submission Form and Shipping Instructions.