qPCR
Pronunciation: cue-P-C-R
Also written as: qPCR — quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, a molecular technique for detecting and quantifying specific DNA sequences.
Full Definition
qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), also known as real-time PCR, is a molecular biology technique that amplifies and simultaneously detects targeted DNA sequences using fluorescent reporters. In cancer genomics, qPCR is used for detecting specific mutations, gene fusions, viral sequences, and quantifying gene expression levels. qPCR provides rapid, sensitive, and quantitative results with high throughput capability. Editors must understand that qPCR results are typically reported as cycle threshold (Ct) values, copy numbers, or relative quantification ratios, and that different qPCR platforms and chemistries may affect result interpretation and comparison.
Usage
Usage note: Use lowercase 'q' followed by uppercase PCR (qPCR). Distinguish from RT-PCR which may refer to reverse transcription PCR.
In Context
- "qPCR analysis detected BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts with a ratio of 0.01% on the international scale." — leukemia monitoring report
- "The qPCR assay demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting EGFR T790M resistance mutations in plasma samples." — liquid biopsy validation study