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Summary

Digital PCR (dPCR) is a method used to quantify nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, cDNA). At NIST we are using microfluidic and emulsion-based dPCR platforms for quantification of viral and human genome SRMs.

Description

With appropriately validated assays, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) determines the number of DNA targets (copies) per reaction partition, without the need for a standard curve.  Reaction partitions can be in the form of fixed chambers in a microfluidic device, referred to as chamber digital PCR (cdPCR) or aqueous based droplets floating in oil, referred to as droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Once the chamber volume or the droplet volume is known the concentration of the measured sample can be determined as copies/µL.

Created April 26, 2013, Updated January 18, 2018