Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions and devices for high sensitivity detection of biomolecules such as nucleic acids in biological samples. The methods rely on target detection, nucleic acid amplification, and sensitive detection to provide a signal which can be conveniently measured in a lab assay or device, including with portable and point-of-care instrumentation.

Abstract: Molecular characterization of disease has become the dominant trend in modern medicine, and it has recently become increasingly important to obtain qPCR, microarray, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data for both research and clinical applications. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (“FFPE”) samples have become the standard way of storing clinical biopsies throughout the world. Unfortunately, the poor quality and quantity of nucleic acids obtained from such specimens has posed severe limitations on the types of studies that can be accomplished. Existing methods for retrieval of the biomolecules from their crosslinked matrices are poorly effective and rely on harsh conditions which further damage the biomolecules being extracted. The invention provides compositions and methods for retrieval, analysis and use of biomolecules, including nucleic acids, from such samples.