Abstract: A specimen collection assembly and method for detecting the same are disclosed. The specimen collection assembly includes a specimen collection container having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior adapted to receive a biological specimen. The specimen collection container also includes first indicia containing information. The assembly further includes a cap having thereon second indicia, the cap being removably engagable with the open top end of the container. The second indicia contains the same information as the first indicia.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of diagnosing a disease condition, comprising measuring presence or amount of a targeted protein or a degradation product of said protein in a collected biological sample as a marker for the disease condition. The targeted protein or degradation product is selected for measurement based on a prior identification of a measurable half-life at a predetermined time period, including the time at which said method is conducted, and correlating said measuring with the presence or absence of the disease condition. The targeted protein or degradation product may be identified by selecting a protein known or suspected to be a diagnostic marker for the disease condition, analyzing degradation of the protein in the collected biological sample, and selecting a protein or degradation product that exhibits a measurable half-life at a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis or prognosis of a disease state, involving the measurement of a parameter of discriminated dipeptidyl dipeptidases from a patient sample, and the correlation of the parameter with a disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for collecting and stabilizing blood that contain a blood stabilization agent which includes variegin or an analog thereof, a polysulfated disaccharide, or a combination thereof, each in an amount effective to stabilize blood. Methods of making and using the devices, and kits containing the devices, are also provided.

Abstract: A closure and a container assembly are disclosed. The closure includes a first visual identifier and a second visual identifier, wherein the second visual identifier is different from the first visual identifier. The first visual identifier may be a first color, and the second visual identifier may be a second color. At least one of the first and/or second visual identifier may include a fluorescent compound having a characteristic fluorescent spectra. The first visual identifier and the second visual identifier may be provided on the annular skirt of the closure. The fluorescent compound may be provided on at least one of the closure and the container assembly and can be used to facilitate automated visualization of the fluorescent compound under fluorescence excitation light.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of diagnosing a disease condition, comprising measuring presence or amount of a targeted protein or a degradation product of said protein in a collected biological sample as a marker for the disease condition. The targeted protein or degradation product is selected for measurement based on a prior identification of a measurable half-life at a predetermined time period, including the time at which said method is conducted, and correlating said measuring with the presence or absence of the disease condition. The targeted protein or degradation product may be identified by selecting a protein known or suspected to be a diagnostic marker for the disease condition, analyzing degradation of the protein in the collected biological sample, and selecting a protein or degradation product that exhibits a measurable half-life at a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Simple methods and kits for determining the thermodynamic stability of nucleic acid duplexes and single polynucleotide polymorphisms via competitive equilibria are provided.

Abstract: The fluid sample collection device is adapted to collect and separate a fluid sample into constituent parts such as separating plasma or serum from a blood sample. The device includes an evacuated outer container and an inner container. The outer container has a first open end and a second closed end. A pierceable closure closes the first open end thereby defining a first interior chamber. The inner container is contained within the outer container and separates the first interior chamber into an upper chamber portion and lower chamber portion in fluid communication. The inner container defines a second interior chamber separated from the lower chamber portion through a porous membrane. A port is provided for placing the second interior chamber in fluid communication with the first interior chamber. Another aspect of the device relates to a method of using the device to separate plasma or serum from a blood sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for the diagnosis or prognosis of a disease state, involving the measurement of a parameter of discriminated dipeptidyl dipeptidases from a patient sample, and the correlation of the parameter with a disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that reduce target-independent primer extension or enhance template dependent primer extension. The methods and compositions of the present invention are applicable not only in PCR, but also in nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, and other applications employing extension of a primer in a target-dependent manner.

Abstract: Simple methods and kits for determining the thermodynamic stability of nucleic acid duplexes and single polynucleotide polymorphisms via competitive equilibria are provided.

Abstract: Simple methods and kits for determining thermodynamic stability of nucleic acid duplexes and single polynucleotide polymorphisms via competitive equillibria are provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for assessing the presence or absence of genetic alterations in a defined polynucleotide region as a means to diagnose and manage malignant disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that reduce target-independent primer extension or enhance template dependent primer extension. The methods and compositions of the present invention are applicable not only in PCR, but also in nucleic acid sequencing, genotyping, and other applications employing extension of a primer in a target-dependent manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting polymorphic sites by employing bi-directional primer extension reactions. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and compositions that minimize cost of reagents, such as labeled nucleotides, and minimize the cost of detection instrumentation.