Accuris Quantification Kits provide fluorescence-based measurement of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and RNA for molecular biology laboratories that need greater sensitivity and target selectivity than conventional UV-absorbance measurements can provide.
The family includes High Sensitivity, Broad Range, and convenient 1X dsDNA assays, plus dedicated ssDNA and RNA formulations. Kits are available in 100- and 500-assay formats to support routine research through higher-volume molecular biology workflows.
Accuris kits are designed for use with compatible fluorometers including Accuris Smart-Q™, Smart-Q™ Mini, SmartDrop™ XF, Invitrogen Qubit® fluorometers, and suitable fluorescence microplate readers.
Each assay uses fluorescent dye chemistry that increases in signal when associated with the target nucleic acid. This allows low-concentration DNA or RNA samples to be quantified more selectively than by measuring total UV absorbance alone.
| Assay | Target | Initial Sample Range | Formats | Best Fit |
| dsDNA High Sensitivity | dsDNA | 0.005–120 ng/µL | Standard or 1X 100 / 500 assays |
Low-concentration DNA samples |
| dsDNA Broad Range | dsDNA | 0.1–1,000 ng/µL | Standard or 1X 100 / 500 assays |
Routine DNA quantification across a wider concentration range |
| ssDNA | ssDNA / oligonucleotides | 0.05–200 ng/µL | 100 / 500 assays | Single-stranded DNA and oligo quantification |
| RNA High Sensitivity | RNA | 0.1–100 ng/µL | 100 / 500 assays | Low-concentration RNA samples |
| RNA Broad Range | RNA | 1–1,000 ng/µL | 100 / 500 assays | Routine RNA samples with higher concentrations |
The High Sensitivity dsDNA kit is intended for samples containing approximately 0.005–120 ng/µL dsDNA.
This makes it useful when sample concentration is low or when conserving a limited DNA sample is important.
The RNA High Sensitivity kit performs a similar role for RNA samples between approximately 0.1 and 100 ng/µL.
The Broad Range dsDNA kit covers approximately 0.1–1,000 ng/µL, making it useful for routine DNA samples where concentrations may vary substantially.
For RNA, the Broad Range RNA kit covers approximately 1–1,000 ng/µL.
If expected concentrations may fall near the limits of two assay ranges, consider your extraction method, expected yield, sample dilution and downstream workflow before choosing. Cambridge can help compare the High Sensitivity and Broad Range options for your application.
Accuris offers both conventional and 1X pre-mixed versions of its High Sensitivity and Broad Range dsDNA assays.
| Format | What It Means | Why Choose It? |
| Standard | Fluorescent reagent and buffer are supplied for preparation of the working solution. | Traditional assay preparation and flexibility. |
| 1X | Pre-mixed fluorescent working solution. | Fewer pipetting and preparation steps and improved workflow consistency. |
The 1X format is particularly useful in laboratories running frequent assays or where simplifying reagent preparation can reduce operator-to-operator variation.
Accuris High Sensitivity dsDNA kits are designed for accurate quantification of low-concentration double-stranded DNA samples from approximately 0.005 to 120 ng/µL.
Accuris' standard High Sensitivity dsDNA protocol accepts approximately 1–20 µL of sample, with the sample and working solution brought to the specified final assay volume.
Broad Range kits are designed for laboratories measuring DNA samples over a wider and generally higher concentration range.
Accuris currently specifies an initial sample range of approximately 0.1–1,000 ng/µL for the current F1000 Broad Range family.
The Accuris ssDNA Quantification Kit is designed for measurement of single-stranded DNA and oligonucleotides between approximately 0.05 and 200 ng/µL.
Accuris states that the ssDNA assay is suitable for ssDNA and oligonucleotide measurement but is not selective for ssDNA over dsDNA or RNA. If your sample contains meaningful amounts of multiple nucleic-acid types, consider whether that cross-response is acceptable for your method.
The RNA High Sensitivity assay is designed for RNA concentrations from approximately 0.1 to 100 ng/µL.
Accuris describes this assay as highly selective for RNA over both double-stranded and single-stranded DNA.
The RNA Broad Range assay is designed for RNA samples between approximately 1 and 1,000 ng/µL.
This formulation is intended for higher-concentration RNA samples and is described by Accuris as highly specific for RNA over ssDNA and dsDNA.
UV spectrophotometers estimate nucleic-acid concentration by measuring absorbance, typically around 260 nm. This approach is convenient but may also respond to other UV-absorbing material in the sample.
Fluorescence-based assays use dyes designed to respond preferentially to a target molecule. This can provide greater sensitivity and target selectivity, particularly when working with low-concentration samples or samples containing other substances that may interfere with absorbance measurements.
Accuris states that its quantification assays are minimally affected by common contaminants such as proteins, salts or solvents, although the exact selectivity depends on the assay formulation.
Each assay combines the sample with a fluorescent reagent formulated for the target nucleic acid. Standards supplied with the kit are used to establish the calibration relationship required by the fluorometer.
Accuris specifies compatible detection using approximately 460 ± 20 nm blue excitation and 525–570 nm green fluorescence emission.
Once the appropriate standards and unknown samples have been prepared, a compatible fluorometer measures fluorescence intensity and calculates the nucleic-acid concentration from the calibration curve.
Kit contents vary somewhat by assay formulation, but Accuris quantification kits generally include the materials needed to prepare and calibrate the fluorescent assay, including:
Fluorescence detection tubes are available separately.
F1001-T is a pack of 250 optically suitable 0.5 mL fluorescence detection tubes for compatible Accuris fluorometer workflows.
The tubes are listed by Accuris for use with the Smart-Q 100 platform and related compatible assays.
Because F1001-T is a consumable rather than a quantification reagent kit, Cambridge should clearly identify it as a detection-tube accessory in the variant selector.
Accuris Quantification Kits are designed for use with fluorescence instruments that provide the required excitation and emission wavelengths.
Accuris specifically identifies compatibility with:
Always confirm that the instrument provides the excitation/emission requirements and tube or plate format needed by the selected assay.
Fluorescence-based nucleic-acid quantification is commonly used before downstream molecular biology procedures where accurate input concentration is important.
| If You Need To... | Choose |
| Measure very low concentrations of dsDNA | F1000-HS High Sensitivity dsDNA |
| Measure dsDNA over a broad concentration range | F1000-BR Broad Range dsDNA |
| Reduce reagent-preparation steps | F1000-HS1 or F1000-BR1 1X formulation |
| Measure ssDNA or oligonucleotides | F1000-SD ssDNA Kit |
| Measure low-concentration RNA | F1000-RHS RNA High Sensitivity |
| Measure higher-concentration RNA | F1000-RBR RNA Broad Range |
| Replace Smart-Q 100 assay tubes | F1001-T 0.5 mL Detection Tubes |
The High Sensitivity dsDNA kit is optimized for low DNA concentrations from approximately 0.005–120 ng/µL. The Broad Range kit covers approximately 0.1–1,000 ng/µL and is better suited to samples expected to contain higher or more variable concentrations of dsDNA.
Standard kits require preparation of the fluorescent working solution from the supplied reagent and buffer. The 1X versions provide a pre-mixed working solution, reducing preparation and pipetting steps.
Yes. Accuris identifies its quantification kits as compatible with Invitrogen Qubit® fluorometers as well as Accuris Smart-Q instruments, SmartDrop XF and suitable fluorescence microplate readers.
Yes. Accuris lists its quantification kits as compatible with the Smart-Q Mini fluorometer, which is designed for fluorescence-based measurement of nucleic acids and related assays.
The F1000-HS High Sensitivity dsDNA family is designed for initial dsDNA concentrations from approximately 0.005–120 ng/µL.
Choose RNA High Sensitivity for approximately 0.1–100 ng/µL RNA and RNA Broad Range for approximately 1–1,000 ng/µL.
No. Accuris states that the ssDNA kit can quantify ssDNA and oligonucleotides but is not selective for ssDNA over dsDNA or RNA. Consider the composition of the sample before interpreting the result as specifically ssDNA.
Fluorescent assays use target-responsive dyes and can provide greater sensitivity and selectivity at low nucleic-acid concentrations. UV absorbance measures total absorbance and may be more influenced by other UV-absorbing substances in the sample.
Sample requirements vary by assay protocol. For example, Accuris' standard dsDNA protocols accommodate approximately 1–20 µL of sample. Follow the instructions supplied with the selected kit for the exact workflow.
Yes. Accuris quantification kits include ready-to-use standards for establishing the fluorescence calibration required to quantify unknown samples.
Detection tubes are available separately. F1001-T contains 250 compatible 0.5 mL fluorescence detection tubes.
Yes. Accuris offers the dsDNA, ssDNA and RNA quantification kit families in both 100- and 500-assay formats.
Cambridge Environmental Products supplies Accuris fluorescence quantification kits and compatible fluorometry equipment in Canada with CAD pricing and support for Canadian research, academic, biotechnology and molecular biology laboratories.
Cambridge Environmental Products supplies Accuris molecular biology equipment, fluorometers, nucleic-acid quantification kits and laboratory consumables across Canada.
If you are unsure which assay range is appropriate, send us the target molecule, expected concentration range, fluorometer model, approximate number of samples per month and downstream application. We can help identify the most suitable Accuris kit and package size.
Selecting the correct assay depends primarily on the target molecule, expected concentration range, sample volume and fluorometer being used.
Send Cambridge your application and expected sample concentration and we can help compare the Accuris High Sensitivity, Broad Range, ssDNA and RNA quantification options.
