Can I use low quality RNA as input for TeloPrime Full-Length cDNA Amplification?

It is possible, but it is not recommended. We recommend using the highest quality RNA available as input for TeloPrime cDNA generation. Lower quality RNA (RIN < 8) can also be used as input. However, as RNA integrity decreases the proportion of transcripts with an intact 5' cap is reduced.

TeloPrime can still generate full-length cDNA from remaining intact capped and polyadenylated mRNAs present in low quality total RNA samples, though the maximum length of the amplified cDNA may be reduced compared to cDNA prepared from higher quality inputs.

When using lower quality RNA as input, the Optimal Endpoint PCR cycle number (OEP) should be determined using the qPCR assay (see this relevant FAQ, and Appendix B of the TeloPrime V2 User Guide).