Abstract: Cells collected from bladder washings or urine may be analyzed by in situ hybridization. Such analysis includes detection of bladder cancer or carcinoma-in-situ.

Abstract: The present invention provides labeled nucleic acid amplification oligonucleotides, which can be linear or hairpin primers or blocking oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotides of the invention are labeled with donor and/or acceptor moieties of molecular energy transfer pairs. The moieties can be fluorophores, such that fluorescent energy emitted by the donor is absorbed by the acceptor. The acceptor may be a fluorophore that fluoresces at a wavelength different from the donor moiety, or it may be a quencher. The oligonucleotides of the invention are configured so that a donor moiety and an acceptor moiety are incorporated into the amplification product. The invention also provides methods and kits for directly detecting amplification products employing the nucleic acid amplification primers. When labeled linear primers are used, treatment with exonuclease or by using specific temperature eliminates the need for separation of unincorporated primers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to in situ hybridization methods using nucleic acid probes for single copy sequences for detecting chromosomal structural abnormalities in fixed tissue obtained from a patient suspected of having a chromosomal structural abnormality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting rare cells in a biological sample is disclosed. A color image of the sample is generated and the color image is decomposed into its color components. A first mask is then generated based upon a first color characteristic of the rare cells. At least one color component of the color image is filtered using the mask to produce at least a first composite image which contains features having the first color characteristic. At least a second mask is then generated based upon other color characteristics of the rare cells and at least the first composite image is filtered using at least the second mask to create at least a second composite image. The color and/or shape of features in the at least second composite image are analyzed and a list of locations of probable rare cells is generated from the color and/or shape analysis.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a target nucleotide sequence which exists in a first state or a different second state which makes the method particularly useful for determining point mutations. The method uses a first polynucleotide which is immobilized on a solid support and which is at least partially complementary to a first segment of the target nucleotide sequence. By means of a series of steps, a product of the first polynucleotide and a further polynucleotide that contains a detectable label can be obtained. When the state to be analyzed occurs in a rare population, amplification can be conducted so that substantially only amplification of the target nucleotide sequence in one of the states is attained. The method can be used to analyze multiple target sequences simultaneously. A kit which can be used in the method is also set forth.

Abstract: Modified pyrimidine bases and nucleotides containing a linker arm and a detectable reporter group for nucleic acid labeling. The modified nucleotides have the structure: ##STR1## wherein: -R.sub.1 is --H or --OH;-R.sub.2 and -R.sub.3 are independently --H, --OH, monophosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate, thio analogs of mono-, di-, or triphosphates, --O-- attached to a reactive phosphorous-containing group or --O-- protected by a blocking group;-A and -B are independently --H, an electron donating group, an electron withdrawing group, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, halogen, nitro, --COOH, amino, substituted amino, cyano, --CONH, --CSNH, --COOR.sub.4 ##STR2## --CSOR.sub.4, --COSR.sub.4, --SR.sub.4, --COR.sub.4, --CH.sub.2 NHR.sub.4, -R.sub.4 C.dbd.CR.sub.5 H or --C.tbd.C--R.sub.4 where R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently H, an electron donating group, an electron withdrawing group, C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: A process for amplifying nucleic acid sequences from a DNA or RNA template which may be purified, or may exist in a mixture of nucleic acids. The resulting nucleic acid sequences may be exact copies of the template, or may be modified. The process has advantages over prior art amplification processes in that it increases the fidelity of copying a specific nucleic acid sequence, and it allows one to more efficiently detect a particular point mutation in a single assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, reagent and kit for the determination of the presence of target nucleotide sequences by restriction amplification. In the process to detect nucleic acid sequences a target molecule containing a specific restriction site is hybridized with a labeled probe containing a sequence homologous to at least 28 bases of the target molecule. The probe is cleaved with a restriction enzyme that releases the probe for detection if the probe hybridizes to the specific target. Thus, the cleaved probe constantly regenerates and is highly detectable if the target sequence is present in the assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, reagent and kit for the determination of the presence of target nucleotide sequences by restriction amplification. In the process to detect nucleic acid sequences a target molecule containing a specific restriction site is hybridized with a labeled probe containing a sequence homologous to at least 28 bases of the target molecule. The probe is cleaved with a restriction enzyme that releases the probe for detection if the probe hybridizes to the specific target. A second oligonucleotide is present in the reaction that is homologous to the 3 prime end of the probe molecule and also conains 5 prime base or bases that will reconstitute the restriction enzyme site on the target. Thus, the cleaved probe constantly regenerates and is highly detectable if the target sequence is present in the assay.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out horizontal gel electrophoresis for separation and subsequent vacuum-assisted transportation of macromolecules to a support membrane to facilitate detection. The entire procedure is conducted in one cartridge. A method for conducting electrophoresis and subsequent vacuum assisted transfer using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out horizontal gel electrophoresis for separation and subsequent vacuum-assisted transportation of macromolecules to a support membrane to facilitate detection. The entire procedure is conducted in one cartridge. A method for conducting electrophoresis and subsequent vacuum-assisted transfer using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out horizontal gel electrophoresis for separation and subsequent vacuum-assisted transportation of macromolecules to a support membrane to facilitate detection. The entire procedure is conducted in one cartridge. A method for conducting electrophoresis and subsequent vacuum-assisted transfer using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out horizontal gel electrophoresis for separation and subsequent vacuum-assisted transportation of macromolecules to a support membrane to facilitate detection. The entire procedure is conducted in one cartridge. A method for conducting electrophoresis and subsequent vacuum-assisted transfer using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.