pISSN 1738-3544eISSN 2288-1662
pISSN 1738-3544eISSN 2288-1662
pISSN 1738-3544Benefits and limitations of qPCR and dPCR
| qPCR | dPCR | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | - Wide dynamic range - Suitable for analysis of very large amplicons - Two-fold changes in target concentration can be detected - Fast turnaround time - Low chance of contamination - No post-PCR processing - Established method - Low-priced than dPCR |
- Absolute target quantitation - No calibration curves -PCR efficiency is unaffected by differences between calibrant and sample - Improved sensitivity - High precision and reproducibility - Suitable for detection of rare targets - Unaffected by PCR inhibitors - Little training |
| Limitations | -Relies on standard curves, which add time, cost and adversely affect PCR efficiency - Less precise than dPCR - Sensitive to PCR inhibitors, contaminants, nontarget DNA - Poor interlaboratory data reproducibility - Requires training personnel |
- Low dynamic range - Not suitable for very large sample volumes - Could have lower throughput than qPCR - Cause overestimation -Experimental design is more challenging than with endpoint PCR - Expensive |
Abbreviations: qPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction; dPCR, digital polymerase chain reaction; PCR, polymerase chain reaction.
