Assay purpose and architecture
Define reportable units, normalization, target specificity, primer/probe design considerations and multiplex interactions.
Scientific advisory / PCR
dPCR, ddPCR, qPCR & RT-qPCR
Define the target, matrix and reporting unit first. Then build a defensible nucleic-acid measurement strategy.
The analytical question
Define what the result means.
Platform choice is only one element of assay performance. We help connect nucleic-acid measurement to sample preparation, assay architecture, controls, data analysis and intended-use evidence. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is one implementation of digital PCR, using droplets as partitions.
- dPCR and ddPCRPartition-positive fractions and statistical models support target quantification without a conventional standard curve. Partition volume, classification, occupancy and sample processing still contribute uncertainty and bias.
- qPCRQuantification requires an appropriate calibration or relative-quantification model, with suitable reference materials, amplification-efficiency assessment and controls.
- RT-qPCR and RT-dPCRRNA workflows include reverse transcription. RNA recovery, reverse-transcription efficiency and DNA contamination need explicit assessment; digital counting does not remove these effects.
Potential workstreams
How we can help.
The final scope is agreed for the product, development stage and scientific decision.
Sample preparation and matrix
Plan recovery, dilution, inhibition and contamination assessments, including the impact of extraction or particle disruption.
Digital analysis review
Assess thresholds, ambiguous partitions, partition statistics and usable occupancy in the context of the selected platform.
Quantitative calibration
Review calibration models, reference-material suitability, amplification efficiency and comparability between runs or methods.
RNA and control strategy
Evaluate appropriate RNA controls and no-RT assessment for DNA contamination. No-template and no-RT controls answer different questions.
Performance and troubleshooting
Plan intended-use studies for precision, accuracy, specificity, range, detection/quantitation limits and robustness as applicable.
Consulting deliverables
What you receive.
Depending on the agreed engagement, outputs can include:
- A platform-selection and assay-design assessment
- A sample-preparation and control strategy
- A development or qualification/validation protocol draft
- An analysis and reporting template
- A root-cause and follow-up study assessment
These are proposed advisory outputs, not claims of completed experiments or validated performance. Laboratory execution and provider responsibilities are scoped separately.
Scientific boundaries
Digital PCR is not wholly calibration-free or immune to analytical bias. Neither a platform label nor MIQE/dMIQE reporting establishes regulatory approval, accreditation or intended-use validation. Proposed protocols are not evidence that validation has been performed.
Common questions
Is ddPCR a different analytical principle from dPCR?
ddPCR is digital PCR implemented with droplet partitions. Other dPCR systems use different partition formats. Platform-specific assumptions and measurement characteristics still matter.
Can qPCR and RT-qPCR be used interchangeably?
No. RT-qPCR includes reverse transcription of RNA before quantitative PCR. A DNA-target qPCR assay does not measure RNA without an appropriate conversion step and its associated controls.
Selected references
These sources inform the scientific principles. They do not establish company credentials or endorse Genometrion.
- dMIQE2020 — Digital PCR reporting guidelines
- MIQE 2.0 — qPCR reporting guidelines (2025)
- ICH Q2(R2) — Validation of analytical procedures
Editorial review: 31 October 2026.
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