Abstract: The invention relates to a method for linking a detectable label to a nucleic acid by (1) providing a nucleic acid bound to a solid support, the nucleic acid having a cytidine base; (2) transaminating the cytidine base with a reactive group to form a covalent linkage between the cytidine base and the reactive group; and (3) linking a detectable label to the reactive group. The invention also includes compositions containing a labeled nucleic acid produced by the methods of the invention immobilized on a solid support, and a kit containing a solid support, a bisulfite, a reactive group, and a detectable label.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for use in detecting nucleic acid analytes in samples. The devices each include a solid support to which is bound a two-dimensional distribution or field of nucleic acid probes that each bind to a nucleic acid analyte, which is detected by use of amplification methods.

Abstract: A large-field fluorescence imaging apparatus couples an excitation beam produced by a high-power white light source to a sample with reflective optics to achieve high illumination intensity on the sample. The reflective optics includes a concave mirror which projects the filtered and collimated excitation beam from the white light source onto the sample surface. The concave mirror images a field stop onto the sample surface to define an illumination area which matches the field of view of the imaging optics. The fluorescent light generated in the sample is filtered and imaged on a charge coupled device. The combination of the high illumination intensity and the imaging efficiency allows the imaging apparatus to acquire fluorescent images at an improved rate. A sample-height alignment arrangement using fixed alignment stops allows the sample to be positioned quickly and repeatably in the focal plane of the imaging optics without the need for fine adjustments.

Abstract: A method of detecting cellular types in a biological sample supported on an infrared absorptive substrate, such as a plain glass slide, analyzes infrared light reflected from the sample using an Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) technique. An infrared beam is directed to the sample through an ATR microscope objective. The depth of penetration of the infrared beam in the sample is controlled to avoid infrared spectral response from the absorptive substrate. The attenuated total reflection from the sample is detected and analyzed to determine the cellular types or the presence of anomalies in the sample. The method allows infrared measurements on cell samples mounted on plain glass slides, as are normally used by pathologists and other medical investigators.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for use in detecting nucleic acid analytes in samples. The devices each include a solid support to which is bound a two-dimensional distribution or field of nucleic acid probes that each bind to a nucleic acid analyte, which is detected by use of amplification methods.

Abstract: The invention features methods for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In these methods, a sample is contacted with a detector probe and a capture probe to form a detector probe-analyte-capture probe complex. The detector probe includes a new moiety, having a predetermined pI and containing a detectable label. The complex is isolated from detector probe that is not bound in the complex, the moiety is released from the complex, and the released moiety is concentrated, e.g., by isoelectric focusing or other methods. Detection of the moiety, e.g., at a position in a pH gradient corresponding to its pI, can be used as a measure of the presence and concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The invention features devices that each consist of a tube containing a linear array of specific binding elements that each have capture probes specific for a target analyte linked thereto. The devices of the invention can be used in methods for detecting target analytes in samples.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which stain DNA of a preselected single chromosome or region of a chromosome of a multi-chromosomal genome are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the DNA present in the preselected chromosome or chromosome region. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and compounds for covalently linking xanthine or lower alkyl substituted derivatives of xanthine to DNA and the resulting xanthine or lower alkyl substituted xanthine derivative labeled DNA reagents. Reagents for the in situ detection of a chromosome or a region of a chromosome are disclosed. These reagents include a multiplicity of DNA sequences that are complementary to different portions of the chromosome or chromosome region to be detected. Multiple xanthine or lower alkyl substituted xanthine derivative labels are covalently linked to the DNA sequences. These xanthine or lower alkyl substituted xanthine derivative labeled reagents are contacted under hybridizing conditions with the chromosome or chromosome region of interest. Any binding of the reagent with the chromosome or chromosome region of interest may then be detected by immunological techniques.