Custom quality control

Our priority is to provide you with the highest quality oligos that we can deliver. For this reason, we have designed, implemented, and refined quality control (QC) processes to assess quality more accurately. In addition to free electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry analysis that is provided as standard with every oligo*, we offer optional QC services to suit your particular product needs.

The following QC services are available for DNA and RNA oligos when ordering online using the DNA Oligo Entry and RNA Oligo Entry tools. If selected, these services will be provided in addition to ESI mass spectrometry analysis.

* With the exception of mixed base oligos, which could potentially represent multiple sequences and therefore cannot be accurately evaluated by ESI mass spectrometry.

DNA oligos

RNA oligos

Electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry

IDT is a pioneer in using mass spectrometry for quality control of oligo synthesis. Originally, we used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization– time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), but now exclusively operate electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometers, which are more accurate than MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers and can be used to analyze oligos greater than 60 bases. Every oligo we synthesize undergoes ESI mass spectrometry analysis to confirm that the full-length oligos in your tube possess the exact sequence you ordered*. As soon as your shipment leaves our facility, the QC documentation for your order is available online at no charge.

* With the exception of mixed base oligos, which could potentially represent multiple sequences and therefore cannot be accurately evaluated by ESI mass spectrometry.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE)

Whereas mass spectrometry provides sequence accuracy, CE provides quantitative analysis of micropurity (i.e., the amount of full-length product in your tube). Samples of your oligos are placed in a gel under an electric potential, and as they migrate through the gel matrix they are separated according to length. The resulting electropherogram shows full-length product and truncated products, providing percentages for both. CE traces are provided free for purified oligos <60 bases; however, you can also request CE traces for unpurified oligos.

Analytical high performance liquid chromatography (analytical HPLC)

HPLC is a technique we use to purify your oligos, but it can also be used for purity assessments. Similar to capillary electrophoresis (CE), analytical HPLC provides information about how much full-length product is in your tube. We use both reverse-phase (RP) and ion-exchange (IE) methods for purified oligos whose composition is incompatible with CE technology.