An illustration of cell free DNA (cfDNA) in a drop of blood.
Article

Assessing cfDNA Quality for Next Generation Sequencing

With appropriate assays, scientists can overcome yield, fragmentation, and contamination challenges in cell-free DNA analysis.

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Clinical researchers collect and measure cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in biofluids to noninvasively uncover biomarkers and mutations. Although cfDNA has become an essential tool in genetic studies, its low yield and complex fragmentation pattern, along with the risk of high molecular weight DNA contamination during cfDNA collection, pose challenges for next generation sequencing (NGS) workflows. Scientists can ensure successful workflows with appropriate assays for cfDNA assessment before analysis.

Download this technical overview from Agilent to discover how to

  • Appropriately assess cfDNA quality
  • Visualize cfDNA fragmentation patterns, sample degradation, or high molecular weight contaminants
  • Qualitatively and quantitatively assess fragments with automated electrophoresis instruments, such as the Bioanalyzer and TapeStation systems from Agilent

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