Top tips for robust qPCR results

Your one-stop shop for ensuring reliable and reproducible results from qPCR

9 Feb 2026
Charlie Carter
Life Sciences Editor
Top tips for robust qPCR results - LGC - SelectScience guide

Reproducibility issues are a common pain point experienced by scientists carrying out quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), or real-time PCR, with challenges being linked to suboptimal design, probe selection, or workflow execution. The inconsistencies impact not only data quality, but also wasted time, lost samples and delayed research milestones.

A successful qPCR experiment relies on a well‑designed workflow, from high‑quality sample preparation to optimized reagents, primers, and probes, supported by thoughtful assay design that avoids issues like nonspecific binding or inefficient amplification. Expert probe‑selection strategies enhance specificity, especially in multiplexing, while effective troubleshooting helps diagnose common problems such as poor efficiency, primer‑dimers, or high variability. By applying key optimization techniques, researchers can achieve sensitive, accurate, and reproducible qPCR results.

Download this SelectScience guide to explore:

  • How to overcome challenges in qPCR assay design
  • A guide to selecting the right qPCR probe
  • The best way to troubleshoot your qPCR
  • Tips for qPCR optimization and validation

Resource details:

  • Document type: SelectScience guide
  • Page count: 49
  • Read time: 69 mins
  • Edition: 1st

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PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.
Top tips for robust qPCR results - SelectScience guide