qPCR and ddPCR Assay

From gene therapy to cell therapy or vaccine research, KCAS Bio will provide you with the best support for the development and validation of qPCR and ddPCR assays, delivered through a purpose-built, unidirectional molecular workflow designed for contamination-free, high-quality data.

What is qPCR and ddPCR?

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a well-established method for the detection of nucleic acids and the detection, quantification, and typing of different microbial agents. Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) delivers precise and multiplexed PCR analysis for absolute quantification. In situations involving low copy number, the need for high precision with rare events, or a requirement for absolute quantification, ddPCR can offer unique benefits compared to traditional PCR methods.

Our molecular services apply to a wide range of applications such as biodistribution, viral vector shedding/quantification, DNA/RNA pharmacodynamic biomarker detection, copy number variation, rare sequence detection, and microRNA profiling. qPCR and ddPCR are increasingly used to quantify genome copy numbers of AAV vectors, commonly used to deliver gene therapies, during pre-clinical and clinical testing, due to their ease of implementation, high sensitivity and accuracy, and high throughput.

qPCR and ddPCR

qPCR Overview

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a modification of PCR in which a fluorescent dye is added to the reaction to detect the amount of product present at the end of each heating/cooling cycle.

qPCR can be performed on cDNA synthesized from RNA for RT-qPCR
New copies of DNA are detected in “real-time”
The number of copies of target in the starting sample is determined by a standard curve
Relative quantitation compares relative fluorescence between samples for the target gene and a normalization gene

dPCR/ddPCR Overview

Digital PCR (dPCR) is a modification of PCR in which reactions are partitioned into thousands of nanoliter-sized reactions.

dPCR can be performed on cDNA synthesized from RNA for RT-qPCR or RT-dPCR
Fluorescent signal is measured in each partition with a binary (“digital”) readout of yes or no
Poisson statistics are used to determine the number of copies of target in the starting sample from the number of positive and negative partitions

Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) partitions the PCR reaction into oil-in-water droplets.

qPCR and ddPCR comparison

Feature	qPCR	dPCR/ddPCR
Quantification	Uses standards for measurements	Absolute measurement without standards
Sensitivity	High	Ultra-high
Precision	Reliable	Highly precise
Low Copy Detection	Good	Excellent
Copy Number Analysis	Suitable	Ideal
Inhibitor Tolerance	Moderate	High
Turn-around Time	Fast	Slightly longer
Best For	Routine analysis and screening	Ideal for rare sequence detection, low-copy targets, or when only limited amounts of input material are available

KCAS Bio's qPCR and ddPCR expertise

Our team has a long history of collective expertise in sample processing, nucleic acid isolation, and qPCR/ddPCR analysis, supporting pre-clinical and clinical trials across a wide range of species and matrices. Our state-of-the-art facility spans approximately 70,000 square feet (6,500 square meters) and features a controlled, unidirectional workflow with dedicated pre-amplification and post-amplification zones to ensure contamination control, precision, and reproducible data.

This includes two dedicated pre-amplification areas :

area 1 for reagent preparation and storage
area 2 for sample preparation and extraction
area 3 for amplification and manipulation

Our facilities, security, and IT infrastructure ensure your samples remain protected at all times, while cultivating excellence and innovation among our scientists.

At KCAS Bio, we combine technical expertise and capabilities with state-of-the-art operational infrastructure, so we can scale and adapt quickly to the needs of your molecular project.

Our molecular biology workflow

Our experience and expertise in supporting cell and gene therapy studies and vaccine research, such as shedding assays, potency testing, and biodistribution analysis, is further enhanced by our optimization of pre-analytical procedures: we ensure efficient extraction and consider matrix-specific factors. Additionally, we actively contribute to international discussions on regulatory requirements.

Our molecular biology services

Equipment People

Our equipment