Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) was estimated at US$5.9 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$8.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) market.

Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR):Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Distinguishes Real-Time PCR (qPCR) from Digital PCR (dPCR) in Modern Diagnostics?

Real-time PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) are two advanced techniques in molecular diagnostics that offer high accuracy and sensitivity in detecting and quantifying DNA and RNA, yet they differ fundamentally in methodology and applications. Real-time PCR, also known as quantitative PCR (qPCR), amplifies DNA sequences and provides real-time data on the quantity of amplified product using fluorescent dyes or probes. This fluorescence allows researchers to quantify the DNA target by measuring signal intensity during each PCR cycle, making it highly useful in applications like pathogen quantification and gene expression analysis. In contrast, digital PCR (dPCR) is a newer method that partitions a DNA sample into thousands of tiny individual reactions, allowing each partition to either contain or not contain the DNA target. Following amplification, dPCR counts the partitions with positive fluorescence, offering precise, absolute quantification without the need for a standard curve, as required in qPCR.

The absolute quantification capability of dPCR makes it ideal for applications needing high precision, such as detecting low-level mutations in oncology or assessing viral loads in chronic infections. Meanwhile, qPCR remains widely popular due to its scalability, efficiency, and established protocols, particularly in routine diagnostics, where relative quantification is sufficient. Both technologies serve distinct purposes but often complement each other in diagnostics, offering tools to detect, measure, and analyze DNA with remarkable accuracy across diverse research areas, including virology, oncology, and genetics.

How Are qPCR and dPCR Driving Advances in Disease Detection and Genomics?

qPCR and dPCR are pivotal in disease detection and genomics, with applications spanning infectious disease diagnostics, cancer research, prenatal screening, and more. qPCR is especially valuable in infectious disease testing, where its rapid, quantitative capabilities enable timely diagnosis and management of pathogen loads. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, qPCR was instrumental in mass testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 infections, allowing public health authorities to monitor virus spread. Similarly, in oncology, qPCR assists in measuring tumor markers and monitoring treatment efficacy, where its fast turnaround time is beneficial. Meanwhile, dPCR’s ability to quantify rare genetic events with high sensitivity has made it invaluable in detecting low-frequency mutations, particularly useful in liquid biopsies, where circulating tumor DNA must be detected from a small blood sample.

In genomics research, dPCR’s precise quantification has opened new possibilities for gene editing and gene therapy, where accurately quantifying gene copies or detecting rare genetic variants is critical for research quality and therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, dPCR is advancing non-invasive prenatal testing, allowing for accurate detection of fetal DNA from maternal blood, reducing the need for invasive procedures. This ultra-sensitive technology is also invaluable in monitoring minimal residual disease in cancer, where even a trace amount of tumor DNA can be detected post-treatment, providing early warning signs of recurrence. Both qPCR and dPCR contribute extensively to genomic studies, enabling discoveries in rare genetic disorders, epigenetic research, and pharmacogenomics, thus driving precision medicine forward with accurate and actionable data.

What Technological Advancements Are Expanding qPCR and dPCR Capabilities?

Innovations in automation, multiplexing, and data analysis are pushing the boundaries of what qPCR and dPCR can achieve, making them faster, more versatile, and suitable for larger-scale applications. Automation has streamlined qPCR and dPCR workflows, allowing laboratories to handle higher sample volumes with minimal manual input, critical in clinical diagnostics and large-scale studies. Multiplexing, where multiple DNA targets are detected within a single reaction, has significantly improved testing efficiency in both qPCR and dPCR, enabling researchers to analyze multiple genes or pathogens simultaneously. This multiplexing capability is particularly valuable in fields like infectious disease testing and oncology, where comprehensive screening is essential for effective treatment planning.

Miniaturization and portable PCR devices have further enhanced accessibility, allowing qPCR and dPCR to be applied in point-of-care testing and field-based diagnostics. For example, handheld devices now make it possible to conduct rapid molecular testing in remote areas or at a patient’s bedside, which is essential for timely diagnostics in emergency and rural healthcare settings. Improvements in software and data analytics have also transformed PCR data interpretation, with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms helping to optimize results, identify patterns, and provide deeper insights into genetic and infectious diseases. These advancements in PCR technology enable broader diagnostic applications, faster response times, and greater sensitivity, making qPCR and dPCR adaptable to the evolving needs of molecular diagnostics and genomic research.

What Is Driving Growth in the Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) Market?

The growth in the qPCR and dPCR market is driven by increasing demand for precision diagnostics, technological advancements, and a rising focus on personalized medicine. qPCR and dPCR’s importance in the fight against infectious diseases, as evidenced by their pivotal role in COVID-19 testing, has highlighted the need for fast, accurate diagnostics worldwide, fueling market expansion. In oncology, the rise of precision medicine - where treatments are tailored based on individual genetic profiles - has spurred demand for highly accurate, quantifiable tools like qPCR and dPCR to detect mutations and monitor treatment responses. Additionally, dPCR’s absolute quantification capability makes it indispensable in detecting rare mutations or low-level pathogens, a necessity in applications like liquid biopsy and early-stage cancer detection.

In parallel, innovations in PCR technology, including automation, miniaturization, and multiplexing, are making qPCR and dPCR more accessible and efficient, broadening their applications in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and agricultural biotechnology. The rapid growth in genetic research, particularly in gene therapy and genome editing, has also increased demand for dPCR as researchers need precise measurements to assess gene modification outcomes. Furthermore, as healthcare providers and consumers alike push for more non-invasive diagnostic methods, qPCR and dPCR continue to grow in popularity, offering reliable solutions for non-invasive tests like prenatal screening and early cancer detection. Collectively, these trends underline the expanding role of qPCR and dPCR in precision diagnostics, personalized treatment, and modern genomics, positioning these technologies as cornerstones in the future of healthcare and biotechnology.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

• Segments: Technology (Quantitative, Digital); Product Type (Consumables & Reagents, Instruments, Software & Services); Application (Research, Clinical, Other Applications)
• Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Quantitative segment, which is expected to reach US$7.6 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 5.7%. The Digital segment is also set to grow at 9.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $1.6 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 9.8% CAGR to reach $1.9 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Abbott Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Analytik Jena AG, Becton Dickinson and Company, Bio Molecular Systems and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 32 companies featured in this Real-time PCR (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) market report include:

• Abbott Laboratories
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Analytik Jena AG
• Becton Dickinson and Company
• Bio Molecular Systems
• Biomeme Inc.
• Biomérieux S.A.
• Bioneer Corporation
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• Cole-Parmer Instrument Company Llc
• Danaher Corporation
• Elitech Group Sas
• Enzo Life Sciences, Inc.
• Eppendorf AG
• F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.
• Fluidigm Corporation
• JN Medsys
• Merck KGaA
• Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
• Promega Corporation
• Qiagen N.V.
• Quanta Biosciences Inc.
• Sacace Biotechnologies Srl
• Takara Bio, Inc.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.