Digital assays with a generic reporter

A method of performing a digital assay, the method comprising:

• forming partitions each including a portion of a same mixture, the mixture containing a target and also containing a generic reporter that is sensitive to amplification of the target, wherein only a subset of the partitions each contain at least one copy of the target;
• amplifying the target and at least one byproduct in the partitions;
• collecting amplification data from the generic reporter for a plurality of the partitions, wherein amplification in a partition of the target, the byproduct, or neither the target nor the byproduct are distinguishable from one another in the data;
• and
• determining a level of the target.

A method of performing a multiplexed digital assay, the method comprising:

• selecting primers and concentrations thereof for amplification of first and second targets to generate corresponding first and second amplicons that are distinguishable with a generic reporter;
• forming partitions each containing the generic reporter and the primers at the selected concentrations, wherein a template for each target is present at partial occupancy in the partitions;
• amplifying the first target and the second target in the partitions;
• detecting light emitted by the generic reporter from individual partitions;
• and
• determining a level of each target based on the light detected.