Roche Launches Digital PCR System

Roche recently announced the launch of its first digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system, the Digital LightCycler System (DLS). The DLS is designed to detect disease and accurately quantify trace amounts of specific DNA and RNA targets that are not typically detectable by conventional PCR methods.

According to an Aug. 23, 2022 press release, the DLS will allow clinical research to divide DNA and RNA from a clinical sample into up to 100,000 microscopic individual reactions. This provides opportunities for high precision analysis, including identifying ultra-rare targets or accurately quantifying how much of the target DNA/RNA there is at a molecular level.

"Understanding the hidden characteristics of serious diseases is fundamental for ensuring that the most effective treatment is selected for each patient," said Thomas Schinecker, CEO, Roche Diagnostics, in the press release. “The Digital LightCycler System will support clinical researchers and laboratories in identifying rare and emerging disease mutations. This can be instrumental in early diagnosis and therapy decisions."