ddPCR

ddPCR DIAGNOSTICS @ UP

The massive sample partitioning afforded by ddPCR enables small fold differences in target DNA sequence between samples to be reliably measured and therefore allows unparalleled precision. The increased resolution associated with partitioning also made it possible to visualise and account for non-specific amplification products. The signal-to-noise is increased due the reduction in competition that comes from high-copy templates. The error rates of PCR are reduced by removing the amplification efficiency reliance, enabling accurate quantification of targets therefore removing PCR efficiency bias. ddPCR allows absolute quantification with simple procedures as standard curves are not required. Applications include but are not limited to:

• Absolute Quantification: Absolute quantification, without the need of standard curves, makes ddPCR an ideal tool for target DNA measurements, microbial quantification and viral load analysis.
• Gene Expression: Absolute quantification of expression levels, especially low-abundance microRNAs, with precision and sensitivity.
• Copy number variations: CNVs result in too few or too many dosage-sensitive gene responsible for phenotypic variability, complex behavioral traits, and disease. ddPCR enables measurement of 1.2x differences in gene copy number.
• Detection of rare sequences: Amplification of single genes in complex samples due to the partitioning effect of the droplet formation.
• Quanification for next generation sequencing: ddPCR quantifies NGS sample library preparations to increase sequencing accuracy and reduce run repeats. ddPCR allows researchers to validate sequencing results such as single nucleotide polymorphisms or copy number variations with absolute quantification.

The QX200 Dd PCR System is:

• Ultra-Sensitive detection
• High throughput
• Hydrolysis probes and EvaGreen florescence detection chemistries compatible

Guidelines for the use of the diagnostic service​:

• Send a request on email to [email protected] or [email protected] stipulating your number of samples and preferred dates of analysis
• Upon receipt of the sample request a quote will be send to the client for the analysis to take place. 
• Clients outside the University of Pretoria should then provide a purchase order. Clients within the University of Pretoria should provide proof of transfer of the amount on the quote. 
• No booking will be made unless the purchase order or proof of transfer was received. 
• An invoice will be send to clients outside the University of Pretoria of which payment is strictly within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. 
• Failure to pay will result in suspending the service to the client.
• Upon receipt of the purchase order or proof of transfer the equipment will be booked and the client notified of the booking date.  The date may be changed if it does not suit the client.

• There is no restriction on the number of samples that can be analysed
• For health and safety reasons we cannot accept live cultures. 
• Enquiries: Zama Zulu Tel: 012 420 3850, email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Terms and conditions:

• Analysis is done on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Re-analysis of a sample due to inconclusive results will be treated as a new sample and should be paid for as such.
• We cannot accept responsibility for the purity of microbial cultures.
• We do not interpret results.
• User training may be provided at a cost
• In the case where the results will form part of an article to be published in a journal, a copy of the publication should be sent to us for NRF report purposes.
• The following acknowledgment should also be included in any publication/thesis:

'This work is based on the research supported in part by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa (Grant specific unique reference number (UID) 74426).

• We reserve the right to use the results and may request additional data for that purpose