Abstract: The present invention is in the field of sample preparation. In particular, it relates to methods for preparing samples prior to performing nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of nucleic acid amplification, hi particular, methods are described which utilize stem primers that improve the rapid and specific amplification of a test sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or amount of a first polynucleic acid in a sample comprising subjecting the sample to nucleic acid amplification in which product is detectable by the presence of a signal generated by polynucleic acid formation from the first polynucleotide characterised in that the nucleic acid amplification reaction is conducted, in the same reaction vessel, with a predetermined amount of a second polynucleic acid which is subjected to nucleic acid amplification, the product of which is detectable by the presence of the same signal generated by polynucleic acid formation from the second polynucleotide as that generated by polynucleic acid formation from the first polynucleotide and wherein the product of the second polynucleic acid is produced with different reaction kinetics from the product of the first polynucleic acid such that the second polynucleic acid acts as an internal control for the method.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of sample preparation. In particular, it relates to methods for preparing samples prior to performing nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of template nucleic acid present in a sample comprising the steps of: i) bringing into association with the sample all the components necessary for nucleic acid amplification, and all the components necessary for a bioluminescence assay for nucleic acid amplification and subsequently: ii) performing the nucleic acid amplification reaction; iii) monitoring the intensity of light output from the bioluminescence assay; and iv) determining the amount of template nucleic acid present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of nucleic acid amplification, hi particular, methods are described which utilise stem primers that improve the rapid and specific amplification of a test sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence and/or amount of a first polynucleic acid in a sample comprising subjecting the sample to nucleic acid amplification in which product is detectable by the presence of a signal generated by polynucleic acid formation from the first polynucleotide characterised in that the nucleic acid amplification reaction is conducted, in the same reaction vessel, with a predetermined amount of a second polynucleic acid which is subjected to nucleic acid amplification, the product of which is detectable by the presence of the same signal generated by polynucleic acid formation from the second polynucleotide as that generated by polynucleic acid formation from the first polynucleotide and wherein the product of the second polynucleic acid is produced with different reaction kinetics from the product of the first polynucleic acid such that the second polynucleic acid acts as an internal control for the method.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of template nucleic acid present in a sample comprising the steps of: i) bringing into association with the sample all the components necessary for nucleic acid amplification, and all the components necessary for a bioluminescence assay for nucleic acid amplification and subsequently: ii) performing the nucleic acid amplification reaction; iii) monitoring the intensity of light output from the bioluminescence assay; and iv) determining the amount of template nucleic acid present in the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the extent of a processive nucleic acid polymerase reaction producing pyrophosphate can be conducted, in the presence of all components necessary for the progression of nucleic acid synthesis, wherein the components comprise a substrate for the nucleic acid polymerase which is either dATP or a dATP analogue. The method includes a pyrophosphate assay comprising the steps of conversion of the pyrophosphate to ATP and detection of light produced by the bioluminescence reaction of a luciferase with ATP, wherein one or both of the following apply: a) the luciferase reacts with ATP and the substrate, such that the spectral overlap is reduced relative to the spectral overlap between the outputs of reaction between wild-type Photinus pyralis luciferase with ATP and dATP respectively; and b) the luciferase reacts with the substrate to give a reduced bioluminescence relative to that produced by the reaction of wild-type Photinus pyralis luciferase with dATP.