Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating nucleic acid from a blood sample, said method comprising: (a) selectively isolating leucocytes from said sample by binding said leucocytes to a solid support by means of a binding partner specific for leucocytes; (b) lysing said isolated leucocytes; and (c) binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to said solid support. Kits for isolating nucleic acid from samples form further embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating nucleic acid from a blood sample, said method comprising: (a) selectively isolating leucocytes from said sample by binding said leucocytes to a solid support by means of a binding partner specific for leucocytes; (b) lysing said isolated leucocytes; and (c) binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to said solid support. Kits for isolating nucleic acid from samples form further embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating nucleic acid from a blood sample, said method comprising: (a) selectively isolating leucocytes from said sample by binding said leucocytes to a solid support by means of a binding partner specific for leucocytes; (b) lysing said isolated leucocytes; and (c) binding nucleic acid released from said lysed cells to said solid support. Kits for isolating nucleic acid from samples form further embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The process includes the steps of: a) contacting a liquid containing mRNA with an insoluble support having DNA probes attached thereto via the 5' -terminus thereof whereby the MRNA is hybridized to said probes and hence to said support; b) removing said liquid; and c) adding enzymes and nucleotides in solution whereby the probe functions as a primer to produce single stranded cDNA on the mRNA probe. The probe DNA may be oligo-dT or a specific DNA sequence, such as one that is complementary to a conserved region in a class of mRNA molecules. The insoluble support comprises magnetic particles which are monodisperse polymer particles comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide, a coating to reduce non-specific binding and a substituent for attaching an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Monodisperse, superparamagnetic particles carrying a plurality of molecules of an oligonucleotide are disclosed and may be used inter alia for sequencing single-stranded nucleic acids. The oligonucleotide may be covalently attached or affinity bonded to the particles either by their 3' or 5' termini. The particles have a specific gravity in the range 1.1-1.8 and are 1-10 microns in diameter. A kit for the isolation or processing of target nucleic acid is also disclosed.