Patents by Inventor Dolores M. Berger
Dolores M. Berger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 9499858Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: James G. Nadeau, Tobin Hellyer, Dolores M. Berger, William Nussbaumer, Robert Rosenstein, Andrew Kuhn, Sha-Sha Wang, Keith Edward Thornton
-
Publication number: 20150152473Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANYInventors: James G. Nadeau, Tobin Hellyer, Dolores M. Berger, William Nussbaumer, Robert Rosenstein, Andrew Kuhn, Sha-Sha Wang, Keith Edward Thornton
-
Patent number: 8372605Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: James Nadeau, Tobin J. Hellyer, Dolores M. Berger, William Nussbaumer, Robert Rosenstein, Andrew Kuhn, Sha-Sha Wang, Keith Edward Thornton
-
Publication number: 20110244457Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: James Nadeau, Tobin Hellyer, Dolores M. Berger, William Nussbaumer, Robert Rosenstein, Andrew Kuhn, Sha Sha Wang, Keith Thornton
-
Patent number: 6916608Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for stabilizing clinical specimens (i.e., cells in biological samples) for transport and subsequent testing for diagnosis. The composition is specifically capable of maintaining nucleic acid in the cells intact for hybridization with oligonucleotide capture and detector probes.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Dolores M. Berger, Daretta A. Yursis, William A. Nussbaumer, Anne B. Brown
-
Patent number: 6583279Abstract: Primers and probes derived from the HBV DNA polymerase gene which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HBV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for detection of HBV nucleic acids.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Dolores M. Berger, William A. Nussbaumer, Thomas L. Fort, Tobin J. Hellyer
-
Publication number: 20020009722Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for stabilizing clinical specimens (i.e., cells in biological samples) for transport and subsequent testing for diagnosis. The composition is specifically capable of maintaining nucleic acid in the cells intact for hybridization with oligonucleotide capture and detector probes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 1999Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: DOLORES M. BERGER, DARETTA A. YURSIS, WILLIAM A. NUSSBAUMER, ANNE B. BROWN
-
Publication number: 20010016317Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for stabilizing clinical specimens (i.e., cells in biological samples) for transport and subsequent testing for diagnosis. The composition is specifically capable of maintaining nucleic acid in the cells intact for hybridization with oligonucleotide capture and detector probes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 1999Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventors: DOLORES M. BERGER, DARETTA A. YURSIS, WILLIAM A. NUSSBAUMER, ANNE B. BROWN
-
Patent number: 6218125Abstract: A region of the Chlamydia trachomatis cryptic plasmid has been identified which is useful for performing amplification assays to determine specifically whether C. trachomatis is present in the sample being tested. Oligonucleotides useful for performing thermal Strand Displacement Assay (tSDA) reactions on this gene are disclosed. The disclosed oligonucleotides can be used in an assay which is specific for all strains of C. trachomatis and which does not show crossreactivity with the genomes of other microorganisms or with human DNA.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Paul A. Foxall, Dolores M. Berger
-
Patent number: 6096501Abstract: A region of the Chiamydia trachomatis cryptic plasmid has been identified which is useful for performing amplification assays to determine specifically whether C. trachomiltis is present in the sample being tested. Oligonucleotides useful for performing thermal Strand Displacement Assay (tSDA) reactions on this gene are disclosed. The disclosed oligonucleotides can be used in an assay which is specific for all strains of C. trachomatis and which does not show crossreactivity with the genomes of other microorganisms or with human DNA.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Paul A. Foxall, Dolores M. Berger
-
Patent number: 5667994Abstract: Amplification primers and methods for complex-specific amplification of target sequences in the dnaJ genes of the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC) species are disclosed. The primer target binding sequences are useful for amplification of the dnaJ target in a variety of amplification reactions, with detection of the complex-specific target and, optionally, identification of the MAC species from which the target is derived. Primers and methods for multiplex amplification of dnaJ and a second target are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Karen Ann Dilly, Silvia A. Bustos, Christine Ann Rostkowski, Dolores M. Berger
-
Patent number: 5427920Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting biological activities in a specimen such as blood are disclosed. The present invention provides a system whereby the intensity of light with a wavelength within the range of about 600 nm to 800 nm introduced into a sample at a first location is measured as it reemerges at a second location. A significant change in the intensity of the reemerging light indicates the presence of biological activity. Preferably, the intensity is also measured at a fourth location, or alternatively, a second light source is disposed at a third location to permit comparative intensity data to be collected. These data are useful in partially identifying the types of microorganisms present in the sample. In preferred embodiments, light emitting diodes are used as the light sources and multiplexed to a plurality of samples.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Klaus W. Berndt, Paul G. Gladnick, Dolores M. Berger
-
Patent number: 4994378Abstract: A non-ionic lytic agent, preferably saponin for reducing the background carbon dioxide produced by blood cell metabolism is used in the testing of cultures for the presence of microorganisms. The hemolytic agent saponin is combined with a phospholipid, preferably L-.alpha.-Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), to form mixed micelles which protect saponin from the effects of heat sterilization and high blood cholesterol levels, thus maintaining the lytic activity of saponin. The phospholipid/saponin mixed micelles are added to non-radiometric culture media vials such as Bactec.RTM. NR6A, NR7A and NR8A. The media vials are used in the Bactec.RTM. NR-660 and NR-730 instruments. However, the present invention may also be used in radiometric media such as Bactec.RTM. culture vials 6, 7 and 8 for reducing background carbon dioxide levels detected in C.sup.14 radiometric instruments such as the Bactec.RTM.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1989Date of Patent: February 19, 1991Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Dolores M. Berger, Paul E. Goldenbaum, Gregory Tice