Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for a rapid quantitative nucleic acid hybridization assay for detecting a DNA or RNA sequence in a biological sample. The method comprises solution hybridization of a target nucleic acid sequence with a detectably-labeled probe, separation of the target-nucleic acid probe from the unhybridized probe by gel exclusion or affinity chromatography and detection of the amount of labeled probe as an indication of the target nucleic acid present in the biological sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a binding member of interest from a liquid specimen utilizes a collection receptacle in which the specimen is deposited, with an affinity-filter media being place in communication with a discharge port in the collection receptacle and a transfer device for drawing specimen from the collection receptacle and through the filter for capturing the binding member of interest. The collection receptacle, affinity-filter media and carrier therefor and the transfer device may be supplied in kit form for use in a clinical environment. A hypobaric vessel may be used and the transfer device and this vessel may also serve as a disposal receptacle for the liquid specimen passed through the filter media.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences that are useful for detecting Legionella pneumophila are herein provided. These sequences can be used in hybridization assays or amplification based assays designed to detect the presence of Legionella pneumophila in a test sample. Additionally, the sequences can be provided as part of a kit.

Abstract: Provided herein are primer/probe sets useful for detecting HIV (i.e. either or both HIV 1 or HIV 2) in a test sample. The primer/probe sets are can be employed according to nucleic acid amplification procedures including PCR or RT PCR. The primer/probe sets can also be provided in the form of a kit with other reagents for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting multiple target nucleic acid sequences in a test sample. Also provided is a hybridization platform useful for detecting multiple target sequences in a test sample. The hybridization platform comprises a solid support material having a defined pattern of capture probes immobilized thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitatively detecting the amount of a target nucleic acid sequence which may be present in a test sample. A test sample which may contain a target nucleic acid sequence comprising target sequences X and Y is contacted with two primer sets, the first set being specific for target X and the second set being specific for target Y. The test sample also is contacted at the same time with an internal standard sequence IS, which is substantially derived from a combination of the first and second target sequences, and its corresponding oligonucleotide primers. Haptens are associated with the oligonucleotide primer sets in such a way that amplified target sequence products X and Y are detected by capture on a solid phase to which anti-hapten capture reagents are attached. A signal ratio of (X+Y)/S is determined to quantitate the amount of the target nucleic acid sequence contained in the sample.

Abstract: A DNA probe assay is described using neutrally charged probe strands.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiplex ligase chain reaction (LCR). Two or more purative target sequences are selected. For each one, a set of four probes is used simultaneously to amplify the putative sequence if it is present in the sample. Preferably, all the amplicons are labeled with a common label/hapten and, for each different target, with a unique label/hapten. The invention also relates to an immunochromatographic strip device and method employing a diagonal array of capture spots.

Abstract: Two oligonucleotides are provided which function as amplifying primers when used in tandem in the polymerase chain reaction with HPV DNA. The primers are of the formulae:IU: 5'-TIIN.sub.1 IN.sub.1 IIN.sub.2 TAAAACGAAAGT-3'andIWDO: 5'-N.sub.1 TCN.sub.1 N.sub.3 AIGCCCAN.sub.2 TGIACCAT-3'wherein N.sub.1 is A or G, N.sub.2 is C or T and N.sub.3 is A or T.

Abstract: A method and kits for amplifying and detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample is disclosed. The method employs primers which have reactive pair members linked to them. The reactive pair members can be attached to a solid phase and/or detected by labeled conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting the amount of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. The method uses an aggregate primer series, which comprises at least two primer sets, in an amplification reaction to detect the relative concentration of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. The primer sets have different sensitivities and hybridize with sub-target sequences which are different regions of the target sequence. The method generally comprises cycling a test sample suspected of containing a target sequence, an aggregate primer series, and means necessary for performing an amplification reaction; and detecting any amplified sub-target sequences. Based on a qualitative detection of the amplified sub-target sequences generated by individual primer sets, the relative quantity of the target sequence can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotide probes useful in detecting, e.g. by hybridization or the ligase chain reaction, Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in the presence of other related DNA. The present invention is also directed to methods of detecting Chlamydia trachomatis organisms in a sample using the ligase chain reaction.

Abstract: A waveguide binding assay method involves detecting the scattering of light directed into the waveguide, the scattering being the result of scattering labels specifically bound to the waveguide within the penetration depth of an evanescent wave. The waveguide may be transparent plastic or glass and the binding is typically by oligonucleotide hybridization or immunological capture. Light scattering labels include colloidal metals or non-metals, including gold, selenium and latex. A light absorbing member consisting of dye or concentrated particles may also be employed to enhance signal. Real-time binding and dissociation can be monitored visually or by video imaging, such as with a CCD camera and frame grabber software. Hybridization mismatches of as few as one base can be distinguished by real-time melting curves.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences that are useful for detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae are herein provided. These sequences can be used in hybridization assays or amplification based assays designed to detect the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a test sample. Additionally, the sequences can be provided as part of a kit.

Abstract: Provided herein is a rapid method for isolating total RNA from test samples and further for isolating mRNA from test samples.

Abstract: A method for reducing background caused by target-independent generation of amplification products, typically the products of a ligase chain reaction or a polymerase chain reaction, involves chemically "masking" or blocking the amplification probes or primers so that they cannot be extended or ligated until the occurrence of a triggering event which can be delayed until the amplification reaction is begun. The probe masks take the form of complementary blocking oligonucleotides that are incapable of serving as template themselves and inhibit random tailing of the probe/primers. The blocking oligo masks are denatured from the probes during amplification and preferably are effectively eliminated from competing for probes in the amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods of improving LCR and PCR amplification schemes by modifying at least one probe/primer end so that the probability of the probe/prirner contributing to spurious signal development is greatly reduced. Only after specific hybridization of the modified probe/primer with true target, are the modified ends "corrected" in a target dependent fashion to allow participation of the probe/primer in the enzymatic assembly reaction. Specific modifications depend on whether the assembly is done by ligation (as in LCR) or by extension/elongation (as in PCR).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to oligonucleotides useful in detection, e.g., by ligase chain reaction (LCR) of target DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present invention is also directed to methods of detecting target DNAs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotide probes useful in detecting, e.g. by hybridization or the ligase chain reaction, Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in the presence of other related DNA. The present invention is also directed to methods of detecting Chlamydia trachomatis organisms in a sample using the ligase chain reaction.

Abstract: A disposable reaction vessel for performing nucleic acid amplification assay. The disposable reaction vessel has a penetrable cap that can be penetrated by an automated pipettor to aspirate a portion of an amplified reaction product. The disposable reaction vessel contains the reagents necessary to perform a nucleic acid amplification assay. A patient specimen is added to the unit dose reagents in the disposable reaction vessel and the penetrable cap is closed. The disposable reaction vessel containing the reaction mixture and the specimen undergoes amplification, typically by placing it in a thermal cycler. After amplification the intact disposable reaction vessel is transferred to an automated analyzer where an automated pipettor penetrates the closure membrane and aspirates a portion of the amplified sample for further processing, without removal of the reaction vessel cap. This avoids the generation of potentially contaminating aerosols or droplets.