Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR™) Portfolio
Absolute Answers, One Droplet at a Time
Discover the Droplet Difference
Quantify DNA and RNA samples without standard curves or external calibrators using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology.*
Bio-Rad ddPCR technology partitions each sample into thousands of nanoliter droplets, then measures each droplet at endpoint. Poisson statistics are used to determine target concentration directly from the fraction of positive droplets.
*For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
- 8
ddPCR Systems
- 1,895+
wet-lab-validated assays
- 15+
applications supported
- 14
years of ddPCR innovation
Endpoint measurement can reduce the influence of amplification-efficiency differences, while sample partitioning supports precise quantification of small concentration differences and low-abundance targets.
By measuring thousands of individual droplets and applying Poisson statistics, ddPCR technology provides absolute target concentration without relying on a standard curve.
Explore Our Full ddPCR Portfolio
From systems and assays to reagents, consumables, and software, Bio-Rad's ddPCR portfolio supports your workflow from experimental setup through analysis.
Systems
Whatever your throughput and multiplexing needs, there is a QX system designed to fit your workflow. Explore options ranging from flexible bench top systems to automated, high-throughput platforms.
Assays & Kits
Start with a predesigned assay for your target, or work with our Expert Design Service to create an assay for your sequence. All our assays and kits are wet-lab validated and ready to run on your QX system.
Consumables & Accessories
Keep every run consistent with reagents and consumables built for the workflow. Our digital PCR supermixes deliver maximum precision across applications, backed by the cartridges, oils, and instruments that keep your ddPCR workflow reproducible from setup to read.
Software
QX Software supports data acquisition and analysis across all experiment types and multiplexing modes on your QX system. Regulatory software options are also available to support applicable 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
Clinical & IVD
For labs running clinical testing, the QXDx™ AutoDG™ ddPCR System delivers absolute quantification to CLIA workflows with FDA-cleared performance, supported by QXDx assays, QuantaSoft™ IVD/QX Manager software, and the regulatory and compliance documentation your lab needs.
Stilla® Technologies
Stilla Technologies is now part of Bio-Rad, expanding the digital PCR portfolio with high-multiplex, chip-based solutions, including the naica® and Nio® systems, as well as Crystal Digital PCR chemistry.
ddPCR Workflows Across Applications
Rare Mutation & Sequence Detection
Quantify low-frequency variants and rare targets below levels detectable by current tests.
Gene Expression & RNA Analysis
Quantify RNA targets and measure small differences in gene expression using absolute target concentration.
Copy Number Variation (CNV)
Resolve single-copy and fractional copy-number differences without a standard curve.
Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Research
Study low-abundance variants in minimal residual disease research using sensitive, quantitative ddPCR methods.
Liquid Biopsy & ctDNA Research
Detect and quantify circulating tumor DNA targets in plasma samples for oncology research.
Wastewater Surveillance
Quantify pathogen targets in complex wastewater samples using absolute concentration measurements.
Viral Titer & Cell and Gene Therapy QC
Quantify viral vectors and residual DNA in cell and gene therapy research and development workflows.
Digital PCR for NGS
Quantify sequencing libraries and support orthogonal confirmation of selected variants with absolute quantification.
FAQs
Bio-Rad offers a complete ddPCR portfolio, including eight QX systems, pre-designed and custom assays, supermixes and consumables, acquisition and analysis software, FDA-cleared clinical/IVD options, and CrystalTag digital PCR products for a broad range of research and laboratory workflows.
It depends on your throughput and multiplexing needs. The QX family offers options from the entry-level QX700™ E System to the high-throughput QX700 HT System, all on shared chemistry. Compare them side by side on the ddPCR Systems page.
A supermix matched to your target, the right cartridges and oils, a validated or custom assay, and QX Software to acquire and analyze your data—all available within this portfolio.
Yes, predesigned assays are wet-lab validated and ready to run, and our Expert Design Service builds assays to your own sequence, with 1,895+ validated assays spanning research applications such as mutation detection, CNV, gene expression, and more.
Yes, the QXDx AutoDG ddPCR System supports FDA-cleared workflows for CLIA labs, backed by QXDx assays, QuantaSoft IVD/QX Manager software, and regulatory documentation.
Yes, QX Software includes a regulatory edition with 21 CFR Part 11 support for compliant acquisition and analysis.
Stilla is now part of Bio-Rad, expanding the portfolio with the naica® and Nio® systems and CrystalTag Digital PCR chemistry for high-multiplex, chip-based digital PCR alongside the droplet-based QX range.
A wide range of research applications, including rare mutation and variant detection, gene expression, MRD and liquid biopsy research, CNV, genome-editing analysis, residual DNA and viral titer quantification, and pathogen/wastewater surveillance. Learn more about ddPCR applications.