Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the determination and detection of nucleic acids sequences in a sample. The nucleic acid may be RNA or DNA or both. The invention also relates to methods for the determination of the presence and species of various microorganisms in a sample. We have also identified a set of oligonucleotide nucleic acid sequences within the rRNAs of Gram-negative organisms that facilitates both the broad identification of Gram-negative organisms as a class when used as a pool, or in combination, for example in a hybridization assay. This set of oligonucleotides may detect sequences that are indicative of the presence of organisms of the broad class of Gram-negative organisms while exhibiting little or no false identification of Gram-positive organisms, and fungi, or other microorganisms. The assay includes concurrent incubation with at least one nucleotide sequence of interest, at least one nucleic acid probe, a fluorosurfactant, and a nuclease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the encapsulation of luminescence-related molecules, including but not limited to, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenylate kinase (AK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), luminol and luciferin/luciferase cocktails, within liposomes. These liposomes can be employed to enhance the luminescence detection of microorganisms and compounds in various products and samples. The liposomes containing the luminescence-related molecules can bear a probe which has a specific sequence or structure that, in turn can be used to hybridize to, or couple with, a portion of the target analyte. Within the same assay, paramagnetic beads can bear a probe having a specific sequence or structure that, can hybridize to, or couple with, a second portion of the target analyte to create a complex of analyte bound to paramagnetic beads and liposomes. This type of assay can be often referred to as a ‘sandwich’ assay.

Abstract: An assay device comprises a tube, a removable top part and a bottom part, wherein an elongate member with a swab at its distal end is mounted on the top part, the top part includes a compartment containing liquid and partly defined by a first frangible membrane that can be ruptured to release the liquid into the tube, and the bottom part contains a reagent and is partly defined by a second frangible membrane that can be ruptured on movement of the bottom part relative to the tube.Reaction occurring in the bottom part can be observed through a window. This reaction may be of the type involving amplification of say, ATP, e.g. by providing AMP, glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), adenylate kinase, glucokinase and reagents that convert glucose (G) to give a color, whereby the following reactions occurAMP+ATP.fwdarw.2ADPG6P+ADP.fwdarw.ATP+G.

Abstract: An assay device comprising a centrifugation tube and, as a sliding fit therein, a less deep inner tube whose base has one or more apertures sufficiently large to allow the passage of particles. This device can be used in an assay for microorganisms in a liquid sample containing fatty material, which comprises centrifuging the sample and a clearing agent in the device, removing the inner tube containing the fatty material, removing at least substantially all of the liquid supernatant in the centrifugation tube, and determining the presence of ATP in the sedimented pellet.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a combination of enzyme activities comprising an ATP-degrading enzyme and one or more enzymes capable of degrading substances, other than ATP, that are substrates for the light-emitting reaction of firefly luciferase. These activities can be used to treat a growth medium in order to reduce background to negligible amounts, in a subsequent bioluminescence assay.

Abstract: A method for analyzing solid material in a liquid sample comprises the steps of: distributing the sample equally by passage through a number of discrete wells adapted to retain the solid material, the concentration of solid material being such that it is absent in at least one well; and analyzing the wells for the presence of retained solid material. A device adapted for use in a method for analyzing solid material in a liquid sample comprises the combination of: a container for the sample; a unit comprising a number of discrete wells adapted to retain the solid material and allow the passage of liquid under the application of reduced pressure; structure for drawing liquid from the container and through the wells under reduced pressure; and a manifold or other element that provides uniform distribution of the sample passing from the container into the wells.