Abstract: The present invention is in the field of sample preparation. In particular, it relates to methods for preparing samples prior to performing nucleic acid amplification.

Abstract: The disclosure is a single-tube multiplex assay, capable of simultaneously detecting multiple nucleic acid targets, using multiple hybridization primers and probes, labeled with the same fluorescent reporter label, but each having a distinct annealing temperature. The assay can be further multiplexed with the use of multiple sets of hybridization primers and probes, each set labeled with a separate fluorescent reporter label.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a laboratory instrument (100, 1000), wherein the laboratory instrument is configured for receiving a sample rack (112) with one or more sample tubes (126), wherein the laboratory instrument comprises a robotic head (106) for bringing a pipettor (108) into fluidic contact with the one or more sample tubes when the sample rack is in an operating position (122), wherein the robotic head is configured for loading the sample rack into the operating position, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving (200) the sample rack by the laboratory instrument; and loading (202) the rack into the operating position using the robotic head.

Abstract: Accurate variant calling methods for low frequency variants are provided. Sequence reads of targeted ultra-deep sequencing are received and aligned to a reference sequence. Read depths and variant counts for variants of the same class at each location where the reference allele exists on the reference sequence are determined for each sample-amplicon. Based on the read depths and variant counts, a probability value indicating the confidence level that a specific variant at a specific location is a true positive is calculated using methods such as a statistical model based method and a localized method using a reference sample. The probability value is then compared with a threshold level to determine whether the detected variants are true positives.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a multi-chamber plate (110) is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the rapid detection of the presence or absence of mecC-containing Staphylococcus aureus (mecC-MRSA) in a biological or non-biological sample are described. The methods can include performing an amplifying step, a hybridizing step, and a detecting step. Furthermore, primers, probes targeting the genes for mecC-MRSA, along with kits are provided that are designed for the detection of mecC-MRSA.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a sample block, a heat sink and at least one electrodeposited thermoelectric element is disclosed. Further, an instrument and a method for performing a temperature-dependent reaction are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with data evaluation tools, methods for analyzing a dataset, and a computer readable medium comprising a computer program code that when run on a data processing device carries out the method of the disclosure as well as a device for carrying out the method of the disclosure. The methods and devices disclosed herein are used in analytical systems that analyze biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated antibodies, or an antigen portions thereof, which bind to human HER3. The novel antibodies are of great utility since they allow for the sensitive and specific detection of human HER3. Detection of human HER3 is, e.g., possible in a tissue sample, even when such tissue sample is a formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPET) sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and components for successive capture of nucleic acids using magnetic glass particles.

Abstract: A single technique for determining Ct is provided that can be used for standard sigmoidal growth curves and for problematic growth curves, such as parabolic curves. The Ct value can be determined as the intersection of a line tangent to the growth curve at the maximum of the second derivative with a baseline of the growth curve. Such a Ct value is usable for sigmoidal curves and parabolic curves, and can provide linear calibration curves to achieve accuracy in determining initial concentrations of a sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting a lipid bilayer formed in a cell of a nanopore based sequencing chip is disclosed. An integrating capacitor is coupled with a lipid membrane, wherein the lipid membrane is between a working electrode and a counter electrode. An alternating current (AC) voltage is applied to the counter electrode. A voltage across the integrating capacitor is periodically sampled by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). A change in the sampled voltage across the integrating capacitor in response to a change in the AC voltage is determined. Whether the lipid membrane comprises a lipid bilayer is detected based on the determined change in the sampled voltage across the integrating capacitor in response to the change in the AC voltage.

Abstract: The present application provides polynucleotides comprising 5?-tails with sequence segments useful for the detection of target nucleic acid sequences, and methods for their use in detecting target nucleic acids. The polynucleotides are used to amplify a subsequence of a target nucleic acid in the presence of one or more ribonucleotides. The ribonucleotides are incorporated into amplification products at regular intervals complementary to the 5?-tail sequence segments. Cleavage of amplification products at the bond immediately 3? to incorporated ribonucleotides produces detectably distinct fragments indicative of the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A sample processing tubule is provided including, from a proximate to a distal end, an opening through which a sample is introducible, at least three segments, and an extraction port operatively connected to a distal segment of the at least three segments. The extraction port enables extraction of a reaction mixture in the distal segment of the tubule without piercing the tubule or one or more seals separating each of the segments in the tubule.

Abstract: A sample processing tubule is provided including, from a proximate to a distal end, an opening through which a sample is introducible, at least three segments, and an reagent introduction port operatively connected to a distal segment of the at least three segments. The reagent introduction port enables the addition of a reagent in the distal segment of the tubule, enabling the user to create a customizable assay tubule.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Package assemblies for storing diagnostic cartridges or storing wet/dry reagents are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tray member defining a first volume and a second volume, and a cover member coupled to the tray member covering the first volume and the second volume. The tray member includes a central portion that separates the first volume from the second volume. The first volume is configured to receive a desiccant package and a sample container containing a first reagent. The first reagent has a solid form. The second volume is configured to receive a reagent module containing a second reagent. The second reagent has a liquid form. The cover member and the central portion of the tray member are configured to isolate the first volume from the second volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing jump discontinuities in growth data are provided. A first approximation to a received data set is determined by applying a non-linear regression process to a non-linear function that models the data set to determine parameters, including a step discontinuity parameter. A second approximation to the data set is also determined by applying a regression process to a second non-linear function to determine parameters, including a step discontinuity parameter, of the second function. One of the approximations is selected based on an information coefficient determined for each of the approximations. If a confidence interval for the step discontinuity parameter includes zero, no correction is made, and if includes zero, then a correction is made. For a correction, the portion of the data curve prior to the step change is replaced with appropriate portion of the selected approximation to produce a shift-corrected data set.