Abstract: Customization of a universal reagent cartridge with a lyophilized target-specific PCR component reagent is disclosed. The universal reagent cartridge includes multiple chambers populated with predetermined non-target-specific reagents therein. A custom reagent storage device that stores a lyophilized, target-specific reagent is provided and is configured to be end user insertable into the universal reagent cartridge to customize the universal reagent cartridge with the target-specific reagent.

Abstract: A target specific PCR component reagent storage device is configured to enable customization of a universal reagent cartridge. The reagent storage cartridge may exhibit a generally tubular geometry and includes a reagent storage section and a remaining section with a break-off region therebetween. The reagent section is configured to store a lyophilized, target-specific reagent therein. The break-off region exhibits a lower structural integrity than the remainder of the reagent storage device such that the reagent storage section breaks-off from the remaining section when the reagent storage section is pressed against a port in a universal reagent cartridge that includes multiple predetermined reagents, such that the lyophilized, target-specific reagent enters the reagent cartridge via the port to customize the universal reagent cartridge with the target-specific reagent.

Abstract: Customization of a universal reagent cartridge with a lyophilized target-specific PCR component reagent is disclosed. The universal reagent cartridge includes multiple chambers populated with predetermined non-target-specific reagents therein. A custom reagent storage device that stores a lyophilized, target-specific reagent is provided and is configured to be end user insertable into the universal reagent cartridge to customize the universal reagent cartridge with the target-specific reagent.

Abstract: A method is provided for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) comprising a) amplifying a reverse transcribed cDNA in a mixture comprising Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, wherein said Norovirus primers and probes distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses; b) quantifying virus; and c) normalizing data based on a universal internal RNA control. Optionally, the method may also include primers and probes for Enteroviruses. A reaction mixture comprising Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, wherein said Norovirus primers and probes distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses and universal internal RNA control primers and probes are also included.

Abstract: A method is provided for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) accomplished by: a) amplifying a reverse transcribed cDNA in a mixture containing Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, in which the Norovirus primers and probes can distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses; b) quantifying virus; and c) normalizing data based on a universal internal RNA control. Optionally, the method may also include primers and probes for Enteroviruses. The present invention also provides a reaction mixture containing Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, in which the Norovirus primers and probes can distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses and universal internal RNA control primers and probes.

Abstract: A method is provided for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) accomplished by: a) amplifying a reverse transcribed cDNA in a mixture containing Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, in which the Norovirus primers and probes can distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses; b) quantifying virus; and c) normalizing data based on a universal internal RNA control. Optionally, the method may also include primers and probes for Enteroviruses. The present invention also provides a reaction mixture comprising containing Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, in which the Norovirus primers and probes can distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses and universal internal RNA control primers and probes.

Abstract: The invention provides an internal control nucleic acid molecule including at least one forward primer binding site, at least one reverse primer binding site, and at least one amplifiable region, wherein the forward primer binding site, the reverse primer binding site, and the amplifiable region are all randomly generated. The invention also provides a kit that includes at least one internal control nucleic acid molecule of the invention, at least one forward primer, configured to be complementary to the forward primer binding site of the internal control nucleic acid molecule, and at least one reverse primer, configured to be complementary to the reverse primer binding site of the internal control nucleic acid molecule. The invention also provides methods of using the internal control nucleic acid molecules and kits of the invention.