ddPCR: digital droplet PCR

Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) is positioned as a robust and highly sensitive nucleic acid quantification technique. This method enables absolute and direct quantification of gene expression, detection of rare mutations or SNPs, and copy number variation (CNV) analysis. We use the Bio-Rad QX200 Droplet Digital PCR system.

How ddPCR works
This technology is based on partitioning the sample into approximately 20,000 nanoliter-scale droplets. Within each droplet, an end-point PCR reaction occurs on a single copy of the DNA template. The emitted fluorescence signal is read droplet by droplet (single or dual channel) to classify droplets as positive or negative based on a defined threshold. Target concentration is then inferred using a Poisson statistical model with 95% confidence intervals.

Sample partitioning in 20,000 droplets	Droplet fluorescence reading	Droplet positive/negative call	Concentration data analysis

Available ddPCR applications

• Relative expression quantification of a target across different sample conditions with quadruplex reference genes normalization.
• Absolute quantification of different targets in a sample condition.
• Mutation or SNP detection against wild-type.
• Other applications welcome for development and deploying at the platform.

Price per reaction (CA$)

• For academics external to Canada and industrials please contact us for an accurate quote.
• Not including cost for sample preparation and PCR primer and hydrolysis probe design if applicable.
• Prices subject to change.