Abstract: Contemplated systems and methods allow analysis of multiple and distinct patient samples using a labeling scheme that entirely avoids carry-over of a label or reagent to the analytic platform, typically an addressable solid phase. In preferred aspects, a hybridization portion, a fluorophore, and/or a quencher are removed by a 5?-3?-exonuclease activity of a polymerase from a reporter oligonucleotide to so remove the oligonucleotide from the pool of molecules that bind to the solid phase and/or or to provide signal differentiation by removal of a fluorophore or quencher.

Abstract: Improved biochips comprise a matrix layer coupled to a substrate, wherein the matrix layer includes a plurality of ligands in a plurality of predetermined positions and wherein ligands bind to an anti-ligand disposed in a sample fluid. Preferred matrix layers are multi-functional matrix layers that reduce autofluorescence, incident-light-absorption, charge-effects, and/or surface unevenness of the substrate, and contemplated biochips may comprise additional matrix layers. Contemplated biochips may be useful in detection and/or quantification of various anti-ligands, including polypeptides, polynucleotides, carbohydrates, pharmacologically active molecules, bacterial or eukaryotic cells, and/or viruses.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a plurality of respiratory viruses using a multiplexed diagnostic assay is disclosed. The method provides a plurality of oligonucleotides that each is specific for a specific respiratory virus. A multiplex PCR is run using the oligonucleotides, which produces double-stranded products. The method also provides a plurality of extension oligonucleotides that each is specific for a specific double-stranded product. Each extension oligonucleotide also has a distinct second portion having a unique sequence. A primer extension reaction is run using the extension oligonucleotides, which produces single-stranded products. The single-stranded products are hybridized to a solid carrier.

Abstract: An analytical device has a housing that encloses a multi-substrate chip having a reference marker and a plurality of substrates, wherein the housing is configured such that the reference marker and the substrates are illuminated by respective light sources at different angles. Further contemplated analytical devices include a housing with a cavity in which a multi-substrate chip having a plurality of substrates is at least partially disposed, wherein at least one of the plurality of substrates is coupled to a carrier via a crosslinker that is disposed in a matrix.

Abstract: An integrated desktop analytic device comprises a fluidics station coupled to a confocal microscope detector, and a biochip is moved from the fluidics station to the detector without manual intervention of an operator.

Abstract: A biochip, a platform which composes the biochip, and a stage which composes the platform. The biochip is for detecting analytes in a test sample. The platform comprises a stage. The stage of the invention includes a carrier.

Abstract: A test kit and method includes amplification and extension primers that are selected to allow multiplex PCR and extension at increased specificity. Preferably, the extension primers include a tag that hybridizes with a capture probe on a biochip, wherein the tag is distinct from the target nucleic acid sequence to be analyzed. Further preferred kits include a biochip and various instructions.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting the presence of HPV comprising the following steps: a. amplification and labelling part of the E1 HPV gene, in particular its 3? end; b. hydrizing the labelled fragment to a solid support containing microarrays with various HPV specific capture probes; c. removing uncaptured labeled fragments; d. detecting captured detectable moiety indicating the presence of HPV sequence DNA in a sample. Further provided is a test kit for carrying out said detection method.

Abstract: Contemplated methods and kits include a plurality of single stranded oligonucleotides that comprise a discriminating sequence that is encompassed on one end by a label and on the other end by a unique tag sequence. In one preferred aspect, the discriminating sequence is an RNA repeat unit, forms a heteroduplex with a complementary DNA repeat unit of the target nucleic acid, and the discriminating agent is RNaseH. Using such systems, the number of repeat units can be simply identified by hydrolysis of the discriminating sequence where such sequence is adjacent to a predetermined number of DNA repeat units in the single stranded oligonucleotide.

Abstract: An automatic pipette in an analytic device uses disposable pipette tips, and in which proper coupling of the pipette tip to the pipette, accurate volume of the aspirated fluid, and distance of the pipette tip to a biochip are determined using a plurality of sensors that are coupled to the automatic pipette.

Abstract: A detector for optical analysis of a biochip determines the focal position of a plurality of analytes on the biochip using one or more registration markers on the biochip, wherein the analytes and the registration marker are illuminated by different light sources. Therefore, contemplated configurations will significantly reduce overall focusing time and automate proper positioning of the biochip, while allowing to determine a focal position without photobleaching or other undesirable effects on optically labile compounds. Thus, automated analyses can be performed without manual user intervention.