Counting DNA Molecule By Molecule

By Adam S. Corner, Ph.D.

Digital PCR is an established nucleic acid (NA) quantification technology, which enhances the broad use of PCR across molecular biology laboratories globally through improved precision and accuracy. Organizations that impact the quality of nucleic acid measurement and testing (metrology institutes, standards manufacturers, and quality assurance [QA]/proficiency testing organizations), adopted digital PCR early on and have since been pioneering its use for improved accuracy and precision in NA measurement. Ultimately, this will positively impact the quality of NA measurements generally and, more specifically, clinical NA testing. Molecular counting of nucleic acid molecules is the next measurement paradigm.