Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a target antigen in a fluid sample of an individual. In preferred embodiments, the fluid sample is urine, cerebral spinal fluid, or synovial fluid. After an optional concentration step, the fluid sample is passed through a membrane suitable for binding the target antigen, thereby binding the target antigen to the membrane. Target antigen, bound to the membrane, is then detected using an antibody specific to the target antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a target nucleic acid fragment directly from a specimen obtained from a patient by in situ hybridization. The method is comprised of several steps which are performed in the listed order. A sample of the specimen is deposited onto a slide. The sample is fixed onto the slide with fixative, the fixative comprising either methanol-acetic acid at a ratio of from 99:1 to 80:20, or formalin-acetic acid at a ratio of from 99:1 to 80:20. The nucleic acids of the fixed sample are contacted with a probe complex specific for the target nucleic acid fragment, under conditions appropriate for hybridization. Non-hybridized probe complex is rinsed from the sample. The rinsed sample is stained with Evans Blue. The hybridized probe complex is visually detected by microscopy, with the presence of the probe complex being an indication of the presence of the target nucleic acid fragment.