Digital PCR assays for DNA targets
Our collection of predesigned or customized dPCR assays supports the analysis of DNA targets for various applications. For CNV or copy number DNA analysis, you can easily detect subtle fold changes in copy number without a standard curve.
For the detection of somatic mutations or other genetic variants, you can quantify low-abundance mutations in a background of wild-type genomic DNA. Or, for microbial detection and monitoring, you can quantify a wide range of microbial targets – including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, antibiotic resistance and virulence factor genes – from diverse samples.
For the detection of somatic mutations or other genetic variants, you can quantify low-abundance mutations in a background of wild-type genomic DNA. Or, for microbial detection and monitoring, you can quantify a wide range of microbial targets – including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, antibiotic resistance and virulence factor genes – from diverse samples.
Available Product Categories
dPCR CNV Probe Assays
Cat. No.: Varies
For locus-specific analysis of copy number variations and alterations by singleplex or multiplex dPCR
dPCR Copy Number Assays
Cat. No.: Varies
For locus-specific analysis of copy number variations and alterations
dPCR Microbial DNA Detection Assays
Cat. No.: Varies
For digital PCR detection of microbial targets, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, antibiotic resistance or virulence factor genes
dPCR LNA Mutation Assays
Cat. No.: Varies
For detecting specific DNA sequence mutations related to cancer and oncogenesis
How to use dPCR to detect DNA targets
Digital PCR is an excellent tool for detecting low-abundance DNA targets, rare allelic variants, small fold-change differences and targets in complex mixtures. Plus, its accuracy is consistent despite changes in amplification efficiency or the presence of inhibitors.
Consider these key factors when optimizing your dPCR assay for DNA targets:
- Amplicon length: shorter amplicons preferred (60-150 bp)
- Primer design: balanced GC content (~40–60%) to reduce dimers and secondary structure
- Probe design: Probe Tm 8–10°C higher than primers; avoid 5′ G to prevent quenching
- Specificity, cross-reactivity and assay conditions: Use BLAST to confirm unique targets; LNA probes for SNP discrimination; optimize annealing temperature and primer/probe concentration
- Controls: Use no-template controls (NTC), positive controls (plasmid or genomic), and reference gene assays (e.g., RPP30) for normalization and contamination check
“Our dPCR assay collection enables precise analysis of DNA targets for diverse applications – including CNV analysis, detection of low-abundance somatic mutations and comprehensive microbial monitoring.”
Dr. Ronny Kellner, Associate Director R&D, QIAGEN
