Abstract: Methods, systems, compositions, and thermochemical processes for inactivating proteinaceous binding entities (PBEs) such as antibodies in between staining cycles for preventing cross-reactivity in subsequent staining cycles. The thermochemical methods, compositions, or systems may feature incubating a sample in a solution comprising a buffer at a temperature sufficient to reduce or eliminate further detectability of the PBE. The methods, compositions, and systems may be beneficial for automated assays in automated staining devices that are adapted to dispense buffers and reagents and to heat samples to various temperatures.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for detecting high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA types in cells on a Pap smear which indicates the patient is at higher risk for cancer are described. The method differentiates high-risk from low-risk HPV DNA in cells, which indicates the patient's risk for cancer.