Digitale PCR in der Labordiagnostik

The need for new highly sensitive, cost-efficient, fast and robust nucleic acid detection and quantification technologies is a driving force. PCR, especially quantitative PCR (qPCR), is the method of choice in diagnostics and life-sciences. The digital PCR (dPCR) provides a new technology to measure absolute quantities of nucleic acids without the need for calibration curves. This review gives details on the dPCR technology and available platforms. We discuss the platform differences, common features as well as their advantages and disadvantages.