Optimising eDNA

The workhorse of our service is HT-qPCR technology, a method designed to quantify genes with both precision and efficiency. This high-throughput approach allows us to screen hundreds of targets simultaneously, detecting ARGs even at low abundance within complex environmental samples.

Unlike standard qPCR, HT-qPCR uses an array-based format that, with high sensitivity and specificity, can quantify multiple genes across hundreds of samples in parallel. This makes it particularly valuable for AMR monitoring, enabling the detection of meaningful changes in resistance gene profiles over time and revealing broader trends. By providing quantifiable, reproducible results, HT-qPCR supports a wide range of applications, from research and surveillance to informed decision-making across environmental, agricultural, industrial, and health-related settings.

Find out more about the technology at TakaraBio's website

To make the most of the data generated through HT-qPCR analysis, results are explored using the Resistomap Platform — a cloud-based tool for antimicrobial resistance surveillance and reporting. The platform includes four interactive views: the Antibiotic Resistance Gene Index (ARGI), Reduction, and Risk view, as well as a dedicated Research view for more detailed gene-level exploration.

These views allow users to examine results over time, across locations, and at the gene level, with flexible visualisation options for both exploration and reporting. Whether monitoring public health, evaluating treatment processes, or supporting environmental protection efforts, the platform transforms complex qPCR data into meaningful insights.

Our commitment to reliable data starts in the laboratory, where each sample is processed according to rigorous protocols designed for precision and consistency.

We utilise automation wherever possible, with robotics handling key tasks like pipetting primers and preparing dilutions to minimise variation and ensure uniform processing. Before this, DNA quality and concentration are assessed using spectrophotometry, ensuring that every sample enters the workflow under standardised conditions for accurate and comparable results across studies, locations and time.

The next section provides a general overview of our workflow and the key steps involved in delivering the service.