The Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer enables scientist working with nucleic acids to carry out automated quality control, sizing and quantification. The system uses micro-fabrication technology to transfer samples onto miniature glass chips that contain a network of interconnected channels and reservoirs. Filling the channels with a gel matriix and the wells with buffer or sample allows electrophoresis to be carried out on a miniaturized scale. Sample componensts are detected by their fluorescence and translated into gel-like images (bands) and electropherograms (peaks).
The system automatically calculates the overall RNA concentration and shows the realtive ratios of 18S and 28S ribosomal peaks, along with degradation to determine sample integrity. A few examples are shown below:

Investigators interested in bioanlysis of their samples should bring 5 ul total RNA @ 50-500 ng/ul in a 0.5 ml microcentrifuge tube. Up to 12 samples may be run at once, at a cost of $50/1-12 samples.