In quantitative PCR (qPCR) and microbial source tracking (MST) analysis, the critical threshold (Ct) is an important parameter. Ct represents the number of amplification cycles needed for a fluorescence signal to surpass a set threshold, indicating the detection of the target nucleic acid.
Interpreting qPCR & MST results involves analyzing Ct values and considering the experiment's context. Here's a general guideline:
Early Ct Values (e.g., Ct < 29)
Indicates a high abundance of the target nucleic acid in your sample
Moderate Ct Values (e.g., 30 < Ct < 35)
Suggest a moderate abundance of the target nucleic acid in your sample
Late Ct Values (e.g., Ct > 35)
Indicate a low abundance or target nucleic acid in your sample with values close to 40 approaching the assay's detection limit.
Contact Us
Need help from our team? You can reach us in any of the following ways:
Submit a request through our myLuminultra Knowledge Center Submit a Request
Email help@luminultra.com
Phone 1-888-389-4491
Available Monday to Friday, 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST
If your request is related to an existing order, service request, or support case, please include as much detail as possible so our team can assist you quickly.