How to interpret nano-drop results

260/280 Ratio

• The ratio of absorbance at 260 nm and 280 nm is used to assess the purity of DNA and RNA.
• A ratio of ~2.0 is generally accepted as 'pure' for RNA.
• If the ratio is appreciably lower in either case, it may indicate the presence of protein, phenol, or other contaminants that absorb strongly at or near 280 nm.

260/230 Ratio

• This ratio is used as a secondary measure of nucleic acid purity.
• Expected 260/230 values are commonly in the range of 2.0-2.2.
• If the ratio is appreciably lower than expected, it may indicate the presence of contaminants which absorb at 230 nm

• For more information regarding 260/280 Ratio and 260/230 ratio, see [[[1]]]