Digital PCR (dPCR) and Real-Time PCR (qPCR) Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR)), By Downstream Industry (Clinical, Research and Forensic) and Regional Forecast to 2033

DIGITAL PCR (dPCR) AND REAL-TIME PCR (qPCR) MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

Digital PCR (dPCR) and Real-Time PCR (qPCR) Market Size was estimated at USD 5569.05 million in 2024 and it is expected to grow from USD 6107.58 million in 2025 to USD 7345.89 million by 2033. The Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 9.67% during the forecast period (2025 - 2033).

Digital PCR and Real-Time PCR are some of the most advanced techniques used in nucleic acid measurement. Real-time PCR or quantitative PCR represents the quantitation of amplicon DNA continuously by using fluorescent dyes or probes that produce signals corresponding to the DNA produced in each amplification cycle. The method enables quantification by comparing the fluorescence intensity at each cycle and a calibration curve of DNA concentrations is needed. This is especially important because qPCR has a very large range of fluorescence intensity and can detect low and high expression levels of genes within the same reaction. Some uses include gene expression studies, identification of pathogens, quantitative research and diagnostic clinical tests.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction is the most applied real-time PCR technique, while digital PCR is a relatively new PCR technique where the direct count of target nucleic acid molecules is allowed without using standard curves. In contrast to other droplet-based technologies, with dPCR, the estimated number of partitions per sample is hardcoded into thousands of individual reactions and the target sequences are identified according to the presence or absence of a fluorescent signal after PCR amplification. This method offers improved signals to count the target molecules and therefore gets better sensitivity and accuracy compared to other techniques when analyzing rare mutations or low-expression targets. Some of the uses also include assessment of sample sensitivity in cancer diagnosis and research, quantification of viral loads in samples and validation of sequencing libraries for next-generation sequencing methodologies. Therefore, both dPCR and qPCR are recognized as novel approaches that have greatly enhanced research and diagnostics of different pathological conditions as well as other fields such as forensic analysis or food quality control.

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COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic has positively impacted the market highlighting their crucial roles in diagnosing and monitoring cases

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Due to the pandemic, the market of dPCR and qPCR shows a positive trend, demonstrating the importance of these technologies in diagnosing cases. PCR testing was in high demand, which improved the utilization of PCR instruments, reagents and consumables. The pandemic emphasised the need for effective diagnostic systems, creating a demand for superior PCR technologies. Therefore, despite being relatively recent techniques, dPCR and qPCR are constantly developing and spreading to be ready and capable of facing current and future threats to human health, making them essential in the diagnosis and research in medicine.

LATEST TRENDS

"Rising demand for rapid and point-of-care PCR testing solutions to drive the market"

Rising utilization of competent PCR testing solutions that offer point-of-care and significantly fast results is another reason that fuels the growth of digital PCR (dPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR). The continuous desire for fast, precise diagnostic solutions, particularly owing to recent disruptions such as the COVID-19 outbreak, has supported the implementation of these refined PCR techniques. PCR testing at the point of care is helpful in decision-making and management of the case of infectious diseases staying isolated and getting treatment. Technological advancement in the miniaturization and portability of PCR devices has thus made it possible to use these tools in different places including in the rural areas with very limited resources. Processes such as high-throughput screening, real-time PCR and molecular diagnostics are increasing the accessibility alongside the demand for faster-turnaround time methods that are driving the development of PCR instruments, reagents and consumables and expanding the dimensional usage of dPCR and qPCR in diagnostics and research.

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DIGITAL PCR (dPCR) AND REAL-TIME PCR (qPCR) MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR).

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR): Quantitative PCR or qPCR is an accurate, rapid and highly sensitive PCR technique that has rather high frequencies of usage in various laboratories across the world. It measures the amount of DNA by calculating the amount of fluorescence at each step during the PCR process and thus enables monitoring of the process to be done in real-time. The advantage of qPCR is its high dynamic range, which means that it can amplify a very wide target concentration in one reaction. It uses standard curves for quantification and this makes it precise but the standard curve may sometimes be a downside. In clinical diagnosis, qPCR has become popular due to the speed and accuracy of the tests thus it is frequently used in reporting and tracking viral loads in particular diseases such as HIV.

• Digital PCR (dPCR): Digital PCR is a highly accurate and sensitive method because it divides samples into interfertile reactions, making it possible to identify species even in the presence of a highly similar background. It offers direct quantitation without the need for a standard curve, which makes it suitable for targets with low expression levels. The robustness of dPCR against PCR inhibitors and rapidly growing use in cancer research, genetic studies as a precise measurement tool making market entry through technological changes.

By Downstream Industry

Based on downstream industry the global market can be categorized into Clinical, Research and Forensic.

• Clinical: The clinical applications segment has the largest share in the dPCR and qPCR market because the demand for accurate diagnostic tools for infectious diseases and genetic disorders is increasing. There will always be revived demand for qPCR and dPCR attributable to their applicability in diagnoses of diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and cancers among others and enhancing patient care. With the development of technologies, the sensitivity and specificity of the assays have improved greatly. Increased awareness by health care regulators and people about accurate diagnostic techniques, as well as regulatory approval of equipment and consumables in developing countries additionally propel the market.

• Research: Relative to the two major molecular techniques, dPCR and qPCR are very imperative in research for gene expression analysis, single-cell studies and genetic analysis denoting the versatility of these techniques. These techniques are applied by researchers to study various biological issues and design new treatment methods. This segment has more funding and technological upgrading and that is why it is driving growth in inpatient services. There is more emphasis on academics in working with biotech industries and ongoing development of precision medicines increases the of sample high-throughput and sensitivity-based systems.

• Forensic: dPCR and qPCR play a critical role in forensic science by enabling accurate DNA analysis for individual identification from biological samples. They are essential in analyzing trace evidence such as hair and blood at crime scenes. dPCR’s high sensitivity allows for the detection of low-abundance DNA, crucial for cases with limited samples. Supported by stringent legal standards, the growing demand for these advanced technologies reflects the need for precise and efficient forensic evidence analysis.

DRIVING FACTORS

"Rising prevalence of infectious diseases and genetic disorders to boost the market"

The increase in deadly infections and the growing rate of genetic disorders are substantially driving the global digital PCR (dPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) market growth. With the frequent occurrences of diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, Tuberculosis and genetic disorders among others in the world at large, there is always a higher call for detection methods that are efficient and fast. dPCR and qPCR comprise valuable functions in the analysis of nucleic acids for the identification of diseases in their early stages, in addition to assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic procedures. The demand for these innovative technologies in diagnosis, health surveillance and patient treatment is useful for purposes of initializing and developing these tools. This growing demand is again extended with the improved PCR technology that improves assay performance and increases research and clinical analysis space hence driving the market.

"New opportunities attract new consumers and demand by making hand tools cheaper and more diverse which propel the market"

The growth in the market for digital PCR (dPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) is highly attributed to the need to provide quick and cheaper solutions for patient diagnosis. While healthcare systems and researchers look for better and cheaper ways of discovering and measuring nucleic acids, both dPCR and qPCR provide these solutions. Rapid diagnostic tools are important for proper disease diagnosis and management where there is an emergency such as outbreaks. Affordability improves the feasibility of these applications and enables broaden utilization of these technologies in clinical diagnostics and other setting with limited resources. Technological advancements incorporating strategies toward lowering assay costs while still providing high efficiency and precision contribute to increased market growth. This focus on efficiency and scalability also fits into the larger developing concept of trying to create better healthcare methodologies, which has undoubtedly driven the continued developments in PCR methodologies and associated applications.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

"High instrument and reagent costs limit accessibility in some regions to put barriers in the market"

Issues of the high cost of the useful instrument and reagent remain a major factor that causes concern and restricts access to dPCR and qPCR technologies in some parts of the world. The PCR, which is used to perform these methods, requires advanced equipment and specific reagents that can be incredibly expensive, especially in countries with low and middle economies. This financial barrier prevents the vast use of such crucial diagnostic tools, which negatively impacts mankind’s improvement in healthcare. Technological innovations in the synthesis procedures, bulk purchases and acquisitions and cheaper reagents’ formulation should be pursued to enhance accessibility. Overcoming these challenges is critical for the further application of dPCR and qPCR and making use of accurate and sensitive diagnostic instruments for the treatment and prevention of diseases and the promotion of worldwide health.

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DIGITAL PCR (dPCR) AND REAL-TIME PCR (qPCR) MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

"North America is the leading market owing to well-established healthcare systems"

North America dominates the global digital PCR (dPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) market share because of sound healthcare facilities, advanced technologies and high use of molecular diagnosis. The region can invest substantial amounts into the research and development of PCR technologies as well as growing the range of its usages. North American countries possess a sound healthcare infrastructure and abundant reagents, which makes it possible for dPCR and qPCR to be implemented seamlessly in clinical and research environments. Also, the increasing incidence of chronic and infectious diseases is higher in this region, leading to the need for better diagnostic processes and equipment. They remain eagerly adopted due to the approvals by the government and favourable policies on advanced technologies. Sustaining the above-stated market forces, North America continues to boast of powerful market players and academic research institutes that are also part of the pillar in enhancing PCR technology.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key industry players generate opportunities for manufacturers, distributors and service providers for market expansion"

The key industry players in the digital PCR (dPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) market have several revenue stream possibilities. The use of new technologies allows manufacturers to create high-tech instruments and reagents to express the existing high demand for accurate and fast diagnostic methods. This is an effective way through which distributors can amplify their market leadership as they can tap research institutes, diagnostic laboratories and even hospitals to get enhanced market coverage for their products. Providers can engage in delivering support services such as equipment maintenance, software upgrades and training for utilization of PCR technologies by the service providers. Moreover, the target markets and new opportunities can be geared toward specific areas of application that are often still untapped, for example, the pharma segment’s small-molecule drugs and bio-sensing platforms such as molecular diagnostics for the management of chronic conditions. The emerging opportunities in molecular diagnostics across the PCR value chain are presented in the following growing opportunities.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Becton Dickinson (U.S.)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.)
• Abbott (U.S.)
• Danaher (U.S.)
• Bio-Rad (U.S.)
• Merck (U.S.)
• Agilent (U.S.)
• Takara (Japan)
• Qiagen (Germany)
• Roche (Switzerland)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

June 2024: The researchers have started to use advanced molecular techniques such as qPCR to analyze food safety and authenticity and to detect allergens and adulteration of meat. The latest development of qPCR known as digital PCR (dPCR) possesses certain benefits as they do not require calibration curves, they are relatively less sensitive to inhibitors when compared to qPCR, and precise when they are used in the food sample matrix. International organizations such as the ISO offer standard frameworks on the methodologies to be adopted in the undertaking thereby increasing reliability and consistency of the tests conducted on food products.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.