Abstract: This invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for high-throughput, reproducible and inexpensive detection of virus infection using multiplexing technologies such as slide-based, microtiter plate-based and membrane-based microarrays and beads technologies. The apparatus and methods allow simultaneous detection of multiple viral infections in a plurality of test samples.

Abstract: A method for determining telomerase activity using primer extension followed with real time PCR quantification is disclosed. The method of the present invention provides a rapid, sensitive and accurate measurement for telomerase activity in a biological sample. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: adding the biological sample to a reaction tube containing a first reaction mixture having a first primer and nucleoside triphosphates, a second reaction mixture having a second primer and a DNA polymerase, and a wax layer that separates the first reaction mixture from the second reaction mixture; incubating the biological sample with the first reaction mixture; admixing the extension product with the second reaction mixture; amplifying and quantifying the extension product using real-time PCR and a control template. In another embodiment, the detection method includes an in situ primer extension step that allows the production of the extension product within an intact cell.

Abstract: A method for determining telomerase activity using primer extension followed with real time PCR quantification is disclosed. The method of the present invention provides a rapid, sensitive and accurate measurement for telomerase activity in a biological sample. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: adding the biological sample to a reaction tube containing a first reaction mixture having a first primer and nucleoside triphosphates, a second reaction mixture having a second primer and a DNA polymerase, and a wax layer that separates the first reaction mixture from the second reaction mixture; incubating the biological sample with the first reaction mixture; admixing the extension product with the second reaction mixture; amplifying and quantifying the extension product using real-time PCR and a control template. In another embodiment, the detection method includes an in situ primer extension step that allows the production of the extension product within an intact cell.