How do PCR, Sanger sequencing, NGS, and digital PCR differ?

How do PCR, Sanger sequencing, NGS, and digital PCR differ?

When reading articles about genetic testing, terms like PCR, Sanger sequencing, NGS, and digital PCR often appear.While all of these are technologies used to examine DNA and genes, how do they differ? When reading articles about genetic testing, terms like PCR, Sanger sequencing, NGS, and digital PCR often appear. While all of these are technologies used to examine DNA and genes, how do they differ? You might think that "newer technologies are superior to older ones." However, in reality, it is not that simple. Do you want to check if a certain gene mutation exists, do you want to know the DNA sequence, or do you want to examine many genes at once? The appropriate testing method depends on the purpose. I am a clinical laboratory technician working at a university hospital, and I am mainly in charge of genetic testing. In this article, I will add PCR and Sanger sequencing to the NGS and digital PCR that I have introduced so far, and organize the characteristics and proper use of these four technologies. Table of Contents What is the difference between the four technologies? PCR | Technology for amplifying target DNA How is real-time PCR different from standard PCR? Sanger sequencing | Technology for examining DNA sequences NGS | Technology for reading numerous DNA sequences in parallel Digital PCR | Technology for detecting and quantifying target DNA Comparing the four technolog.