How can I eliminate RNase contamination?
RNase contamination can be the bane of labs that routinely work with RNA. RNases are everywhere – on benchtops, glassware, non-certified tips and tubes, and on the surface of your skin (to name a few locations). RNase A, the main culprit in undesired RNA degradation, survives the autoclaving process, so autoclaving tips, tubes, and glassware is of no use in decontaminating RNases. A more detailed article on this subject can be found here. The most common practice is to use tips and tubes that are certified RNase free, and to use reagents that are certified nuclease free (which may or may not necessarily involve DEPC treatment). Note that DEPC treatment does not inhibit any RNase A that may be reintroduced to the reagent post-treatment; it merely inactivates RNase A already present in the reagent. A number of commercial reagents such as RNase Zap® are available for treating benchtops and glassware/plasticware.
