Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for quantitatively monitoring target amplicons produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In particular, quantitative monitoring of target amplicon(s) in a single-tube PCR reaction without separate calibration reactions are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2?) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.

Abstract: The application provides sample preparation devices and analyses. The devices and analyzes allow for the rapid preparation and analysis of samples using a variety of techniques, including PCR, by even unskilled users.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a biological sample for PCR analysis has an inlet (4) for receiving the sample (15) and a sieve (13) through which the sample is forced by screwing down an inlet cap (16). A lysis solution between two rupturable seals (11 and 12) is effective to disrupt the cells of the sample and release nucleic acid. The apparatus is mounted releasably on a PCR machine (2) having a motor (2?) releasably coupled with a drive mechanism (3, 36,40) in the apparatus to effect a rotary and a vertical up and down movement of its components (30, 31, 32, 42). The apparatus has a transparent cuvette (5) and a needle (71) extending to the lower end of the cuvette, by which the prepared sample is dispensed to the cuvette for PCR analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.

Abstract: Assays for detecting potentially toxicdanalytes utilize a preparation of eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells which have signal-generating metabolic activity. The sensitivity of such assays is significantly improved by the employment of a particulate solid-phase adsorbent e.g. silica gel, which can be preliminarily mixed either with the suspected toxic analyte or with the cellular reagent. It is found that the presence of either the adsorbent-analyte combination or the adsorbent-cellular reagent combination results in an amplification of the decrease of the intensity of the generated signal, thereby improving the detection capability of the assay, particularly with respect to low concentrations of toxicants.

Abstract: Cell-based reagents and methods of using the reagents for detecting analytes are provided. The adsorbing of cells with signal-generating metabolic activity to solid supports has been found to improve the sensitivity of known cell based assays. Signal-generating cells adsorbed to a solid support are introduced to a test agent, and the measured decrease in metabolic signal provides a measure of the toxicity of the test agent.

Abstract: A cell-derived assay reagent prepared from cells which have been killed by treatment with an antibiotic selected from the bleomycin-phleomycin family of antibiotics but which retain a signal-generating metabolic activity such as bioluminescence.

Abstract: A cell-derived assay reagent prepared from cells which have been killed by treatment with an antibiotic selected from the bleomycin-phleomycin family of antibiotics but which retain a signal-generating metabolic activity such as bioluminescence.