NanoDrop Spectrophotometer Use

NanoDrop is in Room 212 and is located on top of the spectrophotometer.
If the computer is off, turn it on. Username and PW are on the monitor.
1.	Open Software “ND-1000 v 3.1.2”
2.	A window opens asking you to clean the pedestal and load a 1 uL water 
sample, lower the arm then to click to initiate the NanoDrop
3.	Choose the type of measurement you’d like to make (Microarray, Nucleic 
Acid, UV-Vis, Cell cultures, Protein etc.)
4.	If you are using “Nucleic Acid” you must select the extinction coefficient for 
the type of nucleic acid you are measuring in the upper right corner of the 
nucleic acid page – RNA 40, DNA (ds) 50, DNA (ss) 33 so that the 
concentration will be correct for your sample
5.	Clean top and bottom measurement pedestal surfaces with a damp Kimwipe 
and dry.
6.	Load 1 uL water or other appropriate blank (eg.TE) on the lower pedestal, 
lower the top arm.
7.	Click on the “BLANK” button to run the blank measurement.
8.	Without removing the “blank”, click “measure” to see if the spectrum is flat.
9.	Clean the pedestal (top and bottom) with a Kimwipe.
10.	Load a 1 uL sample* on the lower pedestal, lower the arm
11.	If desired, enter the sample name in the window provided
12.	Click on the “Measure” button (it has a green flag) – the display will then 
show the spectrum and show the calculated concentration(s). You will hear 
a clicking sound as the arm clicks down to draw the sample up between the 
top and bottom pedestals.
13.	When finished, click “show report”. From here you can save or print the 
report. The data is automatically saved or you can save it to your own folder 
or disc.
14.	Printed data will go to the laserjet on top of the file cabinet in room 215.
15.	Thoroughly clean the pedestal** (damp kimwipe then dry) and leave the arm 
down. Exit software.

*If you are not sure that your pipettor is accurate in dispensing 1 uL, use 1.5 to 2 
uL. Errors can occur using such small volumes if the sample is not 
homogeneous. If you suspect a lack of homogeneity, measure several 
replicates.
**If measuring protein samples, please see manual for more stringent cleaning 
procedures.

Specifications:
It will measure dsDNA from 2 ng/uL to 3700 ng/uL without dilution; to 3000 ng/uL 
RNA; to 2400 ng/uL ssDNA
Absorbance range: 0.02 to 75 (as compared with a 1 cm pathlength)
Absorbance precision: 0.003 absorbance
Wavelength accuracy: 1 nm
Wavelength range: 220-750 nm