Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of HPV infection in a subject are provided. HPV infection in a subject can be determined by generating mass profile data for a biological sample from the subject and correlating the mass profile data with reference mass profiles to detect the presence or absence, and/or quantity of at least one biomarker associated with HPV infection. Methods for detecting at least one biomarker associated with HPV infection in a biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of HPV infection in a subject are provided. HPV infection in a subject can be determined by generating mass profile data for a biological sample from the subject and correlating the mass profile data with reference mass profiles to detect the presence or absence, and/or quantity of at least one biomarker associated with HPV infection. Methods for detecting at least one biomarker associated with HPV infection in a biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for removing inhibitors of microbial growth, including antibiotics, from a biological sample suspected of containing one or more microorganisms are provided. The methods include contacting a sample, or a culture growth medium containing the sample, with reversed-phase adsorbent media, which remove the inhibitors of microbial growth, but allow the microorganisms of interest to remain in the sample or culture growth medium.

Abstract: Mass spectrometry techniques for determining the status of sepsis in an individual are provided. A biomarker profile resolved from a biological sample, taken from the individual, using a mass spectrometry technique is compared to a reference biomarker profile. A single such comparison classifies the individual as belonging to or not belonging to a reference population. The individual's biomarker profile and the reference biomarker profile comprise a plurality of ions each having a mass-to-charge ratio of about 100 Daltons to about 1000 Daltons. The plurality of ions can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive mode. The comparison uses a decision rule, such as a classification tree, that determines the status of sepsis in the individual without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the biomarker profile from the individual and without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the reference biomarker profile.

Abstract: An assay transponder is disclosed. The assay transponder has an RF transceiver that allows the assay transponder to communicate wirelessly with another RF device. The transponder also has a sensor that interrogates an assay associated with the transponder. The assay exhibits a response to a sample environment in which the transponder is placed. The transponder communicates the results of the assay interrogation to the other RF device by modulating a signal indicative of the results onto an RF carrier signal and transmitting the signal via an antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunoassays that detect the presence or absence, or determine the amount present of a particular analyte. More specifically, the invention relates to multizone, multilayered immunoassay test devices that utilize a combination of vertical and lateral flow to detect an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A binder support medium-based immunoassay device and method is provided, utilizing the catalyzed formation of dopants and their subsequent effects on electroconductive polymers to detect an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A method for extracting ATP from a biological sample is disclosed. The method involves introducing a cationic extractant and an anionic substance and then extracting ATP. The method may be used to assay for the presence of ATP in a biological sample or to determine the amount of ATP extracted from a biological sample. The method is particularly useful in detecting contamination on surfaces and in food products. A reagent, a test device and a test kit that involve the use of the method to detect contamination are also disclosed.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment, target-independent amplicon formation is prevented by using hybridization blocker oligonucleotides that bind oligonucleotide moieties that are not hybridized to each other.

Abstract: The presence of Group A Streptococcus in a biological specimen is determined from the presence of Streptococcus A antigen. A biological specimen is collected with an applicator having a plastic stick with a rayon swab. The swab is placed in an extraction reagent containing enzymes produced by the bacterium Streptomyces albus, wherein the enzymes release the antigen from the fiber. An aliquot of the extraction medium is mixed with an indicator reagent containing an antibody reactive with the antigen. The occurrence or non-occurrence of an antibody-antigen reaction is noted which indicates the presence or absence of Group A Streptococcus in the biological specimen.

Abstract: A suspension of diagnostic particles comprising antibody molecules attached to a carboxylate derivatized polymer core is provided for agglutination tests. The antibody is linked to the core through an avidin-biotin bridge. Avidin is joined by an amide bond to carboxyl groups on the core, and biotin is linked by an amide bond to amino groups on the antibody molecule. The core-bound antibody is exposed to a mixture of free biotin and biotinylated antibody to attach a controlled amount of antibody that is consistent with suspension stability prior to its use in a test and rapid cross-linking of suspended particles in the presence of antigen.