Higher accuracy, sensitivity, and absolute quantification
Digital PCR (dPCR) is quickly becoming the go-to, complementary technology to real-time PCR for precise nucleic acid quantitation as it can deliver a high level of sensitivity and robust performance in the face of inhibitors. Digital PCR is being leveraged in a variety of research applications, providing unparalleled confidence in rare target quantification, copy-number-variation (CNV), gene expression, and more.
Digital PCR works by compartmentalizing a bulk PCR reaction into thousands of nanoliter-scale reactions, each containing zero, one, or just a few DNA molecules. By counting positive reactions and applying Poisson statistics, absolute quantification of the sample is achieved. dPCR overcomes common limitations of qPCR, such as the need for standard curves, low accuracy when measuring rare targets, and lack of sensitivity in high background conditions.
Understand the differences between real-time, digital, and end-point PCR ›
Infographic: Comparing real time and digital PCR technologies
The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System offers a powerful yet easy-to-use digital PCR experience through its unique Microfluidic Array Plate (MAP) technology. This proprietary technology enables consistent and automated compartmentalization of a sample into 20,000 microchambers with best-in-class <1% coefficient of variation (CV). Unlike other digital PCR systems, MAP technology does not use emulsion or other droplet-based methods to compartmentalize reactions. Rather, utilizing distribution channels, the reagent is delivered to the microchambers with great precision and consistency. Additionally, the QuantStudio Absolute Q system analyzes more than 95% of the loaded sample, ensuring highly-accurate digital PCR results.
QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System
Microfluidic Array Plate (MAP) technology
An instrument is only as good as the reagents you use with it. TaqMan real-time PCR assays have long been considered the gold standard for genetic analysis. Now, using our decades of experience, unique assay design algorithms, and wet-lab verification process, we have developed a portfolio of equally robust Absolute Q dPCR assays. And, just like our TaqMan Assays, the Absolute Q dPCR assays are backed by a performance guarantee*.
Mutation detection and monitoring
Absolute Q Liquid Biopsy dPCR assays enable reproducible, specific detection of known somatic mutations. Each predesigned assay has been validated using controls to detect down to a variant allele frequency of 0.1% in genes relevant for cancer
Cell & gene therapy development solutions
Absolute Q Viral Titer dPCR assays enable easy, accurate, absolute quantification of viral vector genomes to measure concentration and evaluate quality for biopharma and gene therapy development. These assays can be run individually or multiplexed using a custom assay for your target gene of interest.
Wastewater survellance
Using the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR (dPCR) System, up to four optical channels can be leveraged to provide simultaneous multiplex detection of wastewater-relevant targets.
To get the best results and reproducible data you can trust, choose from our application-specific menu of Absolute Q dPCR assays and reagents.
Be confident in your assay choice – guaranteed performance ›
The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System integrates all the necessary steps for dPCR—compartmentalizing, thermal cycling, and data acquisition—into a single instrument. Simply pipette the reaction mixture into the MAP as you would for real-time PCR, and the platform will take care of the rest. No steep learning curve and no additional steps - just the same basic workflow you are already familiar with.
Simple workflow can be completed in under 90 minutes with < 5 minutes of hands-on time.
Learn about the advantages of digital PCR for precise absolute quantification
While both digital PCR and quantitative PCR can measure nucleic acid quantities, use this free infographic to learn more about each technology and how they complement each other.
Understand the differences between real-time, digital and endpoint PCR in this article ›
Analyze with confidence, use with ease
Our clean and powerful data analysis suite provides a range of options for processing your data. Whether you’re visualizing multiplexed data or calculating concentrations across replicates, results can be exported for downstream analysis or compiled into an easy-to-read report in just a couple of clicks.
QuantStudio 3D Digital PCR System
The QuantStudio 3D Digital PCR System is a simple, affordable platform that uses a sealed-chip technology, providing a streamlined, reliable, and robust method for performing digital PCR. The turn-key chip-based workflow lets you load the chip, seal, and proceed to amplification.
Additional resources
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
