Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of two or more target nucleic acids can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a Tm within the range of from about 65 to about 74° C., while the Tm's are within about 5° C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in “multiplexing”, using multiple capture probes. All of the capture probes have Tm's which are greater than 50° C. and are within 15° C. of each other.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of human cytomegaloviral DNA and a second target DNA can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a Tm within the range of from about 65 to about 74° C., while the Tm's are within about 5° C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of hCMV DNA and other target DNA's using multiple capture probes, in “multiplexing”. All of the capture probes have Tm's which are greater than 50° C. and are within 15° C. of each other.

Abstract: A cuvette and a method of use prevent nucleic acid amplified by PCR technology from being released to the atmosphere, while still proceeding to a detection step to determine whether or not the nucleic acid is present. Detection reagents are either pre-incorporated into compartments in the cuvette or added after amplification. In the latter case, a check valve prevents amplified nucleic acid from being released. Transfer of liquids between compartments is achieved via the use of flexible compartment walls and an external pressure source, or via pistons that are part of the cuvette and operate on the compartments as a piston within a piston chamber.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of two or more target nucleic acids can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a Tm within the range of from about 65 to about 74° C., while the Tm's are within about 5° C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in “multiplexing”, using multiple capture probes. All of the capture probes have Tm's which are greater than 50° C. and are within 15° C. of each other.

Abstract: Nucleic acids can be amplified and detected using an element which has a sealable support on which is disposed a nucleic acid reagent composition. The composition is a mixture of a nucleic acid reagent composed of polymeric particles to which an oligonucleotide is covalently attached. The particles are prepared from a first polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 70.degree. C. and have an average diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3 micrometers. The reagent is adhered to the support using a water insoluble adhesive comprising a second polymer which has a glass transition temperature which is at least about 30.degree. C. less than the glass transition temperature of the first polymer. The adhesive is present in the composition at from about 1 to about 20 dry weight percent. The method provides high sensitivity and low background in the assay of nucleic acids, preferably using polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of two or more target nucleic acids can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a T.sub.m within the range of from about 65.degree. to about 74.degree. C., while the T.sub.m 's are within about 5.degree. C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in "multiplexing", using multiple capture probes. All of the capture probes have T.sub.m 's which are greater than 50.degree. C. and are within 15.degree. C. of each other.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of two or more target nucleic acids can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a T.sub.m within the range of from about 65.degree. to about 74.degree. C., while the T.sub.m 's are within about 5.degree. C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in "multiplexing", using multiple capture probes. All of the capture probes have T.sub.m 's which are greater than 50.degree. C. and are within 15.degree. C. of each other.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of two or more target nucleic acids can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a T.sub.m within the range of from about 65.degree. to about 74.degree. C., while the T.sub.m 's are within about 5.degree. C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in "multiplexing", using multiple capture probes. All of the capture probes have T.sub.m 's which are greater than 50.degree. C. and are within 15.degree. C. of each other.

Abstract: Nucleic acids can be amplified and detected using a very rapid polymerase chain reaction procedure in which two different nucleic acid sequences are present. This method allows one to preferentially modulate (for example, suppress) the degree of amplification of one or more nucleic acid sequences relative to other nucleic acid sequences. This modulation is achieved by exploiting differences in the relative primer melt temperatures, or by using certain ratios of primers. Each PCR cycle is very fast, that is less than about 90 seconds. This method is particularly useful for amplification and detection of DNA associated with infectious agents that may be present in a specimen in very small quantities compared to other nontargeted nucleic acids.

Abstract: An aqueous composition containing primers for opposing strands of two or more target nucleic acids can be used in polymerase chain reaction to provide simultaneously rapid and efficient amplification and detection of those nucleic acids. The primers for each target DNA differ in length by no more than 5 nucleotides and have a T.sub.m within the range of from about 65.degree. to about 74.degree. C., while the T.sub.m 's are within about 5.degree. C. of each other. Such compositions are useful in diagnostic test kits and methods for amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acids, or in "multiplexing", using multiple capture probes. All of the capture probes have T.sub.m 's which are greater than 50.degree. C. and are within 15.degree. C. of each other.