Abstract: The invention is a method and device for collecting and processing a biological specimen for the analyses of nucleic acids. A device comprises a matrix to which cells and viruses adhere and a handle to manipulate the matrix. The devices are used to collect, dry, transport, store and process small amounts of blood or other tissue. The matrix of the device is transferred to a reaction tube and amplifying reagents added to it. Nucleic acid sequences and relative quantities are detected and analyzed from the same specimen. The relative amounts of amplified nucleic acid from one or more particular RNA sequences are compared to one another and to the amount of amplified nucleic acid from DNA sequences serving as an internal control for the number of biological units per specimen.

Abstract: A system is provided for the automated detection of target nucleic acid sequences in which multiple biological samples are individually incorporated into matrices within carriers in a two-dimensional format. The matrix carrier is an inexpensive, disposable unit that represents a closed system separating the specimens. The system integrates sample preparation within the matrix and facilitates biochemical reactions, addition of reagents and washes, removal of waste fluids, temperature control and the automated processing thereof. The carriers are processed in stepwise treatments that expose, amplify, and detect the presence or absence of specific genetic entities in each sample. The nucleic acids or other desired biological components held within the matrices are treated by one or more of the techniques such as amplification, electrophoresis, analyte-receptor binding or hybridization as selected for the desired analysis.

Abstract: A process for handling a biological specimen for the analysis of nucleic acid sequences wherein the biological specimen is immobilized within a carrier device for controlled temperature conditions and the sequential addition of fluid treatments. The fluid treatments arm selected from lysing end denaturing solutions, wash or rinse solutions, reagents for nucleic acid amplification, electrophoresis and hybridization and labeling and detection reagents. The fluid treatments are unique to each specimen and the detection of target nucleic acid sequences is localized within the carrier device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated detection of target nucleic acid sequences in which multiple biological samples are individually incorporated into a matrix and treated in a stepwise fashion to expose, amplify, detect and enumerate the presence of original, target nucleotide sequences in each sample. The samples are held together with other samples in a chamber connected by means of a fluid flow conduit to which the matrices make connection via numerous jet-spray ports for the injection of various fluids from a plurality of reservoirs used to process the samples. Solvents and reagents are used to degrade and wash cellular structures and contaminants away from the nucleic acids. Primer and polymerase molecules are used to replicate the target sequences of nucleic acids in the sample. Labeled DNA probe molecules serve to hybridize to the amplified target sequences for detection. Appropriate buffers allow these manipulations on the nucleic acid molecules in the samples.

Abstract: A cover has been designed to make a sealed chamber over a desired specimen area to control reagent evaporation which is critical for amplifying DNA in slide specimens. The cover is positioned over the specimen and temporarily adhered to, or pushed against, the slide, forming a sealed chamber. Reagents are added through a channel in the cover with a standard pipette and the channel opening is closed to prevent evaporative loss of reagents. The chamber is also designed to relieve internal vapor pressure, which is creating upon heating, thereby facilitating diffusion in and out of cells rather than allowing high pressure to flatten cells against the slide surface. Increasing the height of the chamber upwards toward a neck in the cover allows air bubbles being formed during each cycle to leave the specimen area, while at the same time preventing water vapor loss or partitioning of water vapor condensate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automated sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which apparatus has heat-sinking, flat carriers for holding specimens and reagents, devices for heating and cooling and maintaining the specimen to or at any given temperature for any given time periods, and a computer to generate signals that control said temperatures and times.

Abstract: The matrix carrier is a hinged compartment facilitating automation of DNA- and RNA-based diagnostics and genetic surveillance and detection. Specimens are embedded in a matrix in the carrier. The matrix is then treated by one or more of the techniques such as amplification, electrophoresis, and hybridization as selected for the desired analysis and then the sample is treated to detect the cellular component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automated sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which apparatus has heat-sinking, flat carriers for holding specimens and reagents, devices for heating and cooling and maintaining the specimen to or at any given temperature for any given time periods, and a computer to generate signals that control said temperatures and times.