Quantification using real-time PCR technology: applications and limitations.

The introduction of real-time PCR technology has significantly improved and simplified the quantification of nucleic acids, and this technology has become an invaluable tool for many scientists working in different disciplines. Especially in the field of molecular diagnostics, real-time PCR-based assays have gained favour in the recent past. However, the wide use of real-time PCR methods has also highlighted some of the critical points and limitations of these assays. These aspects must be considered to increase the reliability of the obtained data.