Abstract: A method for isolating cell-free DNA from liquid body sample, comprising the following steps: a) Providing liquid body sample; b) Adding to said sample: a solid phase capable of binding DNA; a binding buffer comprising a detergent and a chaotropic agent; and 2-propanol, to form a binding mixture thereof; c) Washing the solid phase to remove unbound material; and d) Eluting bound cell-free DNA, wherein the majority of the eluted DNA is <400 bp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified spin column for the isolation and purification of plasmid DNA. A pre-filtration disc is included in a traditional spin column. During plasmid DNA isolation, the lysate can be loaded directly to the modified spin column, eliminates the need to first remove the flocculants containing cellular debris. This results in a much shortened process. Variation of the invention includes a depth filter in between the pre-filtration disc and the main separation matrix. Also provided are kits for isolation of plasmid DNA including the modified spin columns.

Abstract: A multi-modality fluorescence reference plate comprising wells coated with a fluorogenic compound is described, together with a method of producing such a plate. The plate has utility for calibrating fluorescent plate readers and imaging systems for measuring steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime and/or fluorescence polarisation.

Abstract: A multi-modality fluorescence reference plate comprising wells coated with a fluorogenic compound is described, together with a method of producing such a plate. The plate has utility for calibrating fluorescent plate readers and imaging systems for measuring steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime and/or fluorescence polarisation.