Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting loss of heterozygosity in a pooled nucleic acid sample obtained from a patient population. These methods are particularly useful for identifying populations or individuals within a population with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for assaying the heterozygosity status of an individual member of a population. Methods of the invention are useful for detecting loss of heterozygosity in a nucleic acid sample. Methods of the invention are particularly useful for identifying individuals with mutations indicative of cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for obtaining a stool specimen. The apparatus comprises a housing, a collection bag, a slider to close the collection bag and a draw string to move the slider. A user places the apparatus on a toilet, deposits a first stool into the collection bag, then pulls the draw string to move the slider to close the collection bag thereby allowing the user to urinate or further defecate.

Abstract: Methods are presented for mass screening of patient populations for indicia of disease, infection, or predisposition to disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing a stool sample in order to screen for the presence of indicators of a disease, for example a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a circumferential or cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any disease indicator, such as cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells, is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying nucleic acids. Methods of the invention are useful for identifying and analyzing nucleic acids, especially variants of single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are indicative of disease or the predisposition for disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the preparation of stool samples to increase the yield of relevant DNA, and further provides methods for isolating and analyzing target DNA for characteristics indicative of colorectal cancer. Methods for screening patients for the presence of cancerous or pre-cancerous colorectal lesions are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled instrumentation processing of cells and other particles with a filter device measures a parameter of the flow through the filter device of fluid carrying the particles. A measure of the change of the fluid flow through the filter device yields desired information for quantifying the particles and for quantifying the obstruction of the filter device by the particles. The method and apparatus typically operate automatically.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting fetal chromosomal aberrations by detecting statistically-significant differences between normal and aberrant chromosomes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying nucleic acids. Methods of the invention are useful for identifying and analyzing nucleic acids, especially variants of single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are indicative of disease or the predisposition for disease.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the detection and diagnosis of disease by determining differences in the number of RNA molecules in a patient sample compared to an expected number.

Abstract: Methods of the invention comprise assays for markers indicative of cancer or precancer. Assays of the invention are performed on samples obtained from a patient by non-invasive or minimally-invasive methods. The invention provides nucleic acid indicia of cancer or precancer with high sensitivities and high specificities for detection.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting fetal chromosomal aberrations by detecting statistically-significant differences between normal and aberrant chromosomes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting loss of heterozygosity in a pooled nucleic acid sample obtained from a patient population. These methods are particularly useful for identifying populations or individuals within a population with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled instrumentation processing of cells and other particles with a filter device measures a parameter of the flow through the filter device of a fluid carrying the particles. A measure of the change of fluid flow through the filter device yields desired information for quantizing the particles and for quantizing the obstruction of the filter device by the particles. The method and apparatus typically operate automatically. Cytological test methods and instruments can employ the invention to quantize and to collect cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing a stool sample in order to screen for the presence of indicators of a disease, for example a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a circumferential or cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any disease indicator, such as cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells, is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting loss of heterozygosity in a nucleic acid sample. These methods are particularly useful for identifying individuals with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells in a heterogeneous cellular sample, such as a stool sample. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the presence of mutant sequences in a subpopulation of gene sequences in a biological sample. These methods are particularly useful for identifying individuals with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: A cartridge-like holder or carrier for automatic operation with a specimen processor has a frame for removable and replaceable alignment in operative engagement with the specimen processor and has multiple supports, each of which removably and replaceably supports an implement such as a container of a biological specimen having cellular particles suspended in a liquid, a filter device for use in collecting cellular particles from the liquid in the sample container, a viewing screen onto which the collected cellular particles can be transferred from the filter device and, further, an output container for receiving the viewing screen with the cellular particles thereon. A transfer mechanism on the apparatus is operable for the automatic transfer of the viewing screen from a support on the frame, where it received the cellular particles, to an output container at a further support on the frame. The cartridge apparatus brings to the specimen processor the sample and all disposable devices, i.e.