High background

Find solutions to common problems for high background in ChIP

Why is there high background in my non-specific antibody controls?

Possible causes

Solution
Non-specific binding to Protein A or G beads
  • Include a pre-clearing step, where the lysed sample is mixed with beads alone for 1 hr and removed prior to adding the antibody.
Some Protein A or G beads give high background
  • Find a suitable supplier that provides the cleanest results with low background in the non-specific control.
The ChIP buffers may be contaminated
  • Prepare fresh lysis and wash solutions.