Question: Can OCT affect bulk RNA extraction and RIN assessment?
Answer: Yes, we have found that in some cases, excess OCT can impinge on RNA extraction and affect RNA mobility on automated electrophoresis systems such as the BioAnalyzer and TapeStation. Therefore, excess OCT can negatively impact accurate RIN score assessment.
For tissue blocks where OCT is excessive (≧1 mm surrounding tissue), to minimize the effects of excess OCT, you can perform either option 1 or 2 before placing into a pre-chilled microcentrifuge tube for RNA Quality Assessment:
- Carefully trim the excess OCT using a razor blade, prior to sectioning the tissue block
- OR using chilled, sterile forceps, the excess OCT can be carefully removed after sectioning
After the excess OCT has been removed, proceed with RNA Quality Assessment in accordance with the steps detailed in the appropriate Tissue Preparation Guide:
- Visium Spatial Gene Expression Tissue Preparation Guide
- Visium CytAssist for FF Tissue Preparation Guide
Product: Visium for fresh-frozen, Visium CytAssist for FF