Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid target sequences. The method produces DNA-RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.

Abstract: Target-specific hybrid capture (TSHC) provides a nucleic acid detection method that is not only rapid and sensitive, but is also highly specific and capable of discriminating highly homologous nucleic acid target sequences. The method produces DNA-RNA hybrids which can be detected by a variety of methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybridization method and kit for the detection and measurement of biological molecules. A test sample containing the biological molecules of interest is hybridized with an unlabeled or optionally a detectably-labeled complementary biomolecule to form a double-stranded hybrid immobilized to a solid phase. The immobilized hybrid may be detected with an entity which specifically recognizes an RNA:DNA hybrid, followed by analyses and quantification. Therefore, the present invention provides a method and kit to detect and measure biological molecules that is simple to use, highly specific, sensitive, and accurate for screening a plurality of biological molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel universal collection medium for cell collection. The medium allows for the first time the ability to perform cytology and direct molecular analysis on cells preserved in a single sample. This invention also provides novel methods for analyzing cells to assess human conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accurate, sensitive, and efficient sequential or concurrently sequential method for molecular diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-based disease, where the method improves the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic and prognostic assessments of HPV-based disease. The method of the invention comprises a primary screen of a sample for HPV nucleic acids, followed by a secondary screen for molecular markers, such as proliferation and cell cycle control group protein markers. The sequential or concurrently sequential method significantly reduces the number of false positive results.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for assessing HPV infection. Gene expression levels are used to assess the progression of HPV infection from benign to malignant growth. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of this invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel device and method for preparing cytology slides. The device comprises a book-like form including an absorbent material and filter attached to the inside surface of a front cover and a cytology slide removeably attached to an inside surface of a back cover. A sample is removed from the body of a patient, placed in a liquid-based solution, and then on the filter. When the book-like form is closed, the sample is effectively transferred to the slide. The device can be modified so that a plurality of slides are prepared at the same time.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel universal collection medium for cell collection. The medium allows for the first time the ability to perform cytology and direct molecular analysis on cells preserved in a single sample. This invention also provides novel methods for analyzing cells to assess human conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel device and method for preparing cytology slides. The device comprises a book-like form including an absorbent material and filter attached to the inside surface of a front cover and a cytology slide removeably attached to an inside surface of a back cover. A sample is removed from the body of a patient, placed in a liquid-based solution, and then on the filter. When the book-like form is closed, the sample is effectively transferred to the slide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybridization method and kit for the detection and measurement of biological molecules. A test sample containing the biological molecules of interest is hybridized with an unlabeled or optionally a detectably labeled complementary biomolecule to form a double-stranded hybrid immobilized to a solid phase. The immobilized hybrid may be detected with an entity which specifically recognizes an RNA:DNA hybrid, followed by analyses and quantification. Therefore, the present invention provides a method and kit to detect and measure biological molecules that is simple to use, highly specific, sensitive, and accurate for screening a plurality of biological molecules.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel apparatus for obtaining a cellular or tissue sample from a brush device. The apparatus comprises a collection container including an open end and a closed end, and an interior wall. One portion of the interior wall defines a central axis. Another portion of the interior wall is capable of holding a brush device at an angle with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel device and method for preparing cytology slides. The device comprises a book-like form including an absorbent material and filter attached to the inside surface of a front cover and a cytology slide removeably attached to an inside surface of a back cover. A sample is removed from the body of a patient, placed in a liquid-based solution, and then on the filter. When the book-like form is closed, the sample is effectively transferred to the slide.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for assessing HPV infection. Gene expression levels are used to assess the progression of HPV infection from benign to malignant growth. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of this invention.

Abstract: Conjugate probes are prepared in a one step process by incubating a macromolecule and a labeling group with an unsaturated polyaldehyde as the conjugating agent. The conjugating agent is capable of bonding virtually any labeling group to a macromolecule. Conjugate probes have been shown to have a high degree of specificity and exhibit a strong signal with minimal background.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting RNA molecules of interest in which reverse transcription primers unique to the RNA molecule of interest are used for reverse transcribing the RNA with a reverse transcriptase lacking RNAse H function and the resulting RNA/DNA hybrid is detected with an antibody specific for RNA/DNA hybrids. The primers are immobilized on a solid support in order to associate the RNA/DNA hybrid with the solid support. This allows easy separation of hybrids form sample solution and specific detection of RNA molecules based on the position of the hybrid on the solid support. This method can be used to detect the presence of one or many specific RNA molecules which may be present in a sample, including RNA from different organisms (such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals), or RNA indicative of an infection, a disease state, or predisposition to a disease in an animal.

Abstract: A non-radioactive hybridization assay and kit for the detection of genetic defects, microbial infections or viral infections, such as human papillomavirus. A test sample is treated with a base and incubated with nucleic acid probes, diluted in a neutralizing buffer, specific for target nucleic acids. The hybrids are captured onto a solid phase coated with an anti-hybrid antibody, unhybridized probe is eliminated, and the bound hybrid detected.

Abstract: An improved assay disclosed for detecting viral nucleic acid sequences. The improvement involves concentration viral particles from a biological sample by centrifugation. Once concentrated, the nucleic acid molecules in the viral particles can be manipulated or detected using any suitable procedure. Many such procedure are know and can be used with the concentrated viral nucleic acid molecules. Preferably, the concentrated viral nucleic acid is detected using a detection assay.

Abstract: Continuous amplification reaction provide a method of amplifying a specific nucleic acid without the need to cycle a reaction. The method produces RNA transcripts which can be detected by a variety of methods. Amplification and detection kits are also provided.

Abstract: Continuous amplification reaction provide a method of amplifying a specific nucleic acid without the need to cycle a reaction. The method produces RNA transcripts which can be detected by a variety of methods. Amplification and detection kits are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting RNA molecules of interest in which reverse transcription primers unique to the RNA molecule of interest are used for reverse transcribing the RNA with a reverse transcriptase lacking RNAse H function and the resulting RNA/DNA hybrid is detected with an antibody specific for RNA/DNA hybrids. This method can be used to detect the presence of one or many specific RNA molecules which may be present in a sample, including RNA from different organisms (such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals), or RNA indicative of an infection, a disease state, or predisposition to a disease in an animal. The specificity of detection is increased relative to current detection methods involving probe hybridization since the reverse transcription primers are shorter and less subject to non-specific hybridization. Specificity of the disclosed method can also be increased by using a thermostable reverse transcriptase and performing reverse transcription at a high temperature.