dPCR enables the absolute and reproducible quantification of target nucleic acids at single-molecule resolution. Unlike analogue quantitative PCR (qPCR), however, absolute quantification with dPCR does not require a standard curve. dPCR also has a greater tolerance for inhibitor substances and PCR assays that amplify inefficiently as compared to qPCR.
dPCR can quantify, for example, the presence of specific sequences from contaminating genetically modified organisms in foodstuffs, viral load in the blood, PBMCs, serum samples, chorionic villi tissues, biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease in cerebral spinal fluid, and fecal contamination in drinking water.