Abstract: A method of diagnosing the presence or predicting the course of breast cancer by measuring the expression of a combination of Marker genes comprising a tissue-specific gene and a non-tissue specific gene in a cell or tissue sample derived from a patient. In one aspect of the invention, the genes are mammaglobin and CK19. Kits, nucleic acid primers and probes and controls are provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acids can be made available for amplification or other treatment after admixture of a sample with specific weakly basic polymers to form a precipitate with the nucleic acids at acidic pH. After removing non-precipitated materials, the pH is then made basic, thereby releasing the nucleic acids from the polymer. This method for preparing specimen samples is simple and quite rapid, and the released nucleic acids can be further treated in hybridization assays or amplification procedures. No surfactant or other cell lysing reagents are employed. The weakly basic polymers are water-soluble and cationic at acidic pH, but neutral in charge at basic pH.

Abstract: A method of extracting RNA from biological systems (cells, cell fragments, organelles, tissues, organs, or organisms) is presented in which a solution containing RNA is contacted with a substrate to which RNA can bind. RNA is withdrawn from the substrate by applying negative pressure. No centrifugation step exceeds thirty seconds. Preferably, the RNA is diluted prior to filtration and one or more wash steps can be used to remove interferents. In one such method, except for DNA shearing and drying steps, centrifugation is not undertaken during the extraction step.

Abstract: A method for disrupting cells and/or tissues employs a disrupter with a disruption element having an outer dimension that is slightly smaller than the inside dimension of a container in which a sample is place to be disrupted. Devices for disrupting cells and/or tissues are also presented. The device and methods are used in processes such as the extraction of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method of extracting RNA from biological systems (cells, cell fragments, organelles, tissues, organs, or organisms) is presented in which a solution containing RNA is contacted with a substrate to which RNA can bind. RNA is withdrawn from the substrate by applying negative pressure. No centrifugation step exceeds thirty seconds. Preferably, the RNA is diluted prior to filtration and one or more wash steps can be used to remove interferents. In one such method, except for DNA shearing and drying steps, centrifugation is not undertaken during the extraction step.