Abstract: Short nucleotide sequences of hepatitis B virus useful for the determination of the presence and type of hepatitis B virus present in a test sample. The sequences provided can be amplified by various DNA hybridization techniques including a modified polymerase chain reaction or ligase chain reaction. The sequences provided also can be hybridized by standard dot- or replica-blot procedures. Methods and kits also are provided for the detection of hepatitis B virus in a test sample and the determination of the type of hepatitis B virus present in the test sample.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of amplifying RNA by producing complementary DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcription of RNA, and amplification of the cDNA sequences. The analysis of the amplified material facilitates the detection of pathogens and disease states associated with the presence of particular nucleic acid sequences, so the present invention is important in medical diagnostic procedures. A method of producing cDNA of predetermined length is also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a highly fluorescent conjugate which is useful in specific binding assays, and which comprises a specific binding member bound to a fluorescent polymer. The fluorescent polymer comprises a backbone polymer having multiple signal generating groups immobilized thereon and, optionally, cyclodextrin moieties in association with the polymer. Also provided is a novel process for creating 6-cyclodextrin monoaldehyde.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then sealably mated with a detection chamber to form a sealed reaction/detection unit that is virtually irreversibly closed. One or more heating elements of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target. Kits include the reaction/detection units and reagents for amplification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to oligonucleotides useful in detection, e.g., by ligase chain reaction (LCR) of target DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present invention is also directed to methods of detecting target DNAs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: Novel tethered hapten intermediates and related conjugates based on 3-phenyl-1-adamantaneacetic acid, as well as methods for making and using such conjugates. Haptens based on the above core structure may be substituted at any position on the phenyl ring, especially at the para position. Using tethered intermediates, immunogens, tracers, solid supports and labeled oligonucleotides are all described; as are methods for using the intermediates to prepare the conjugates, methods of using the conjugates to make and purify anitbodies, as assay tracers, and in nucleic acid hybridization assays. Kits containing haptenated oligonucleotides and anti-hapten conjugates are also described.

Abstract: A disposable reaction vessel for performing nucleic acid amplification assay. The disposable reaction vessel has a penetrable cap that can be penetrated by an automated pipettor to aspirate a portion of an amplified reaction product. The disposable reaction vessel contains the reagents necessary to perform a nucleic acid amplification assay. A patient specimen is added to the unit dose reagents in the disposable reaction vessel and the penetrable cap is closed. The disposable reaction vessel containing the reaction mixture and the specimen undergoes amplification, typically by placing it in a thermal cycler. After amplification the intact disposable reaction vessel is transferred to an automated analyzer where an automated pipettor penetrates the closure membrane and aspirates a portion of the amplified sample for further processing, without removal of the reaction vessel cap. This avoids the generation of potentially contaminating aerosols or droplets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotide probes useful in detecting, e.g. by hybridization or the ligase chain reaction, Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in the presence of other related DNA. The present invention is also directed to methods of detecting Chlamydia trachomatis organisms in a sample using the ligase chain reaction.

Abstract: A waveguide binding assay method involves detecting the scattering of light directed into the waveguide, the scattering being the result of scattering labels specifically bound to the waveguide within the penetration depth of an evanescent wave. The waveguide may be transparent plastic or glass and the binding is typically by oligonucleotide hybridization or immunological capture. Light scattering labels include colloidal metals or non-metals, including gold, selenium and latex. A light absorbing member consisting of dye or concentrated particles may also be employed to enhance signal. Real-time binding and dissociation can be monitored visually or by video imaging, such as with a CCD camera and frame grabber software. Hybridization mismatches of as few as one base can be distinguished by real-time melting curves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting amplified target nucleic acid is provided wherein the presence and concentration of amplified target is determined by total internal reflection over the course of the amplification reaction. A method and apparatus for detecting target nucleic acid is also provided wherein the presence and concentration of target is determined by total internal reflection and coupling of the target to the TIR element by scissile linkage. An improved immunoassay using total internal reflection and differential temperature cycling is further provided.

Abstract: The method for thermal cycling of nucleic acid assays includes a blended fluid stream produced from a plurality of constant velocity, constant volume, constant temperature fluid streams wherein to provide a variable temperature, constant velocity, constant volume fluid stream which is introduced into a sample chamber for heating and cooling samples contained therein. By diverting and altering the ratio of the constant temperature fluid streams relative to one another, the blended fluid stream is rapidly variable in temperature, providing for almost instantaneous temperature change within the environment defined by the sample chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved LCR amplification schemes using at least one downstream probe modified at its 5' end to reduce or eliminate target independent amplification. The different modified probes, and kits containing them are also presented. Also presented is a method for detecting differences in nucleic acid sequences, with reduced target independent amplification, using the modified probes.

Abstract: Novel tethered hapten intermediates and related conjugates based on carbazole and/or dibenzofuran, as well as methods for making and using such conjugates. Haptens based on the above core structures may be substituted at any position on the aromatic rings with a wide variety of substituents. Using tethered intermediates, immunogens, tracers, solid supports and labeled oligonucleotides are all described; as are methods for using the intermediates to prepare the conjugates, methods of using the conjugates to make and purify antibodies, as assay tracers, and in nucleic acid hybridization assays. Kits containing haptenated oligonucleotides and anti-hapten conjugates are also described.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods of improving the Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR.TM.) amplification schemes by modifying at least one probe end so that the probability of the probe contributing to spurious ligation and signal development is greatly reduced. Only after specific hybridization of the modified probe with true target are the modified ends "corrected" by endonuclease IV in a target dependent fashion to allow participation of the probe in the enzymatic ligation reaction. Specific modifications include 3' phosphate blocking groups and nucleic acid overhangs containing an abasic site at the point of ligation. Further embodiments include probes modified to contain ribonucleotide moieties which, after amplification, can be cleaved by RNase to destroy the amplification products and reduce the risk of contamination.

Abstract: Short nucleotide sequences of human papilloma virus useful for the determination of the presence and type of human papilloma virus present in a test sample. The sequences provided can be amplified by polymerase chain reaction or ligase chain reaction. The sequences provided also can be hybridized by standard slot-, dot- or replica-blot procedures. Methods and kits also are provided for the detection of human papilloma virus in a test sample and the determination of the type of human papilloma virus present in the test sample.

Abstract: Novel tethered hapten intermediates and related conjugates based on carbazole and/or dibenzofuran, as well as methods for making and using such conjugates. Haptens based on the above core structures may be substituted at any position on the aromatic rings with a wide variety of substituents. Using tethered intermediates, immunogens, tracers, solid supports and labeled oligonucleotides are all described; as are methods for using the intermediates to prepare the conjugates, methods of using the conjugates to make and purify antibodies, as assay tracers, and in nucleic acid hybridization assays. Kits containing haptenated oligonucleotides and anti-hapten conjugates are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotide probes and primers useful in detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae e.g. by the polymerase chain reaction. The present invention is also directed to methods for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae by the polymerase chain reaction. The probes and primers are specific for the pilin gene.

Abstract: Novel tethered hapten intermediates and related conjugates based on 3- phenyl-1-adamantaneacetic acid, as well as methods for making and using such conjugates. Haptens based on the above core structure may be substituted at any position on the phenyl ring, especially at the para position. Using tethered intermediates, immunogens, tracers, solid supports and labeled oligonucleotides are all described; as are methods for using the intermediates to prepare the conjugates, methods of using the conjugates to make and purify anitbodies, as assay tracers, and in nucleic acid hybridization assays. Kits containing haptenated oligonucleotides and anti-hapten conjugates are also described.