What are the differences between RNA-seq and microarray?

RNA-seq and microarray are two laboratory techniques used in the analysis of gene expression. Both techniques are capable of detecting the types of RNA molecules present in a sample at a specified time.

Here’s a look at the differences between RNA-seq and microarray:

RNA-seq:

• Is a technique used to determine the sequence of RNA molecules in a sample
• Is a sequencing-based technique
• Is able to identify new RNA sequences in a sample
• Is able to detect SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) except de novo SNPs for low abundance RNAs
• Sensitivity and accuracy levels are very high
•  very expensive, costing approximately $300 - $1000 per sample, due to the higher requirement of bioinformatic analysis

Microarray:

• Is a technique used to detect the presence of specific RNA sequences within a sample
• Is a hybridization-based technique that uses known probes
• Is capable of identifying only known sequences in a sample
• Is unable to detect SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms)
• Sensitivity and accuracy levels are relatively lower
• Is more cost-effective, costing approximately $100 - $200 per sample