Abstract: The invention relates to multiplex ligase chain reaction (LCR). Two or more putative target sequences are selected. For each one, a set of four probes is used simultaneously to amplify the putative sequence if it is present in the sample. Preferably, all the amplicons are labeled with a common label/hapten and, for each different target, with a unique label/hapten. The invention also relates to an immunochromatographic strip device and method employing a diagonal array of capture spots.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a one or two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction/detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. Microprocessor control controls the heat applied by the second element independently of the heat applied by the first element. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting multiple target nucleic acid sequences in a test sample. Also provided is a hybridization platform useful for detecting multiple target sequences in a test sample. The hybridization platform comprises a solid support material having a defined pattern of capture probes immobilized thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiplex ligase chain reaction (LCR). Two or more purative target sequences are selected. For each one, a set of four probes is used simultaneously to amplify the putative sequence if it is present in the sample. Preferably, all the amplicons are labeled with a common label/hapten and, for each different target, with a unique label/hapten. The invention also relates to an immunochromatographic strip device and method employing a diagonal array of capture spots.

Abstract: A method and kits for amplifying and detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a sample is disclosed. The method employs primers which have reactive pair members linked to them. The reactive pair members can be attached to a solid phase and/or detected by labeled conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting the amount of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. The method uses an aggregate primer series, which comprises at least two primer sets, in an amplification reaction to detect the relative concentration of a target sequence which may be present in a test sample. The primer sets have different sensitivities and hybridize with sub-target sequences which are different regions of the target sequence. The method generally comprises cycling a test sample suspected of containing a target sequence, an aggregate primer series, and means necessary for performing an amplification reaction; and detecting any amplified sub-target sequences. Based on a qualitative detection of the amplified sub-target sequences generated by individual primer sets, the relative quantity of the target sequence can be determined.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then sealably mated with a detection chamber to form a sealed reaction/detection unit that is virtually irreversibly closed. One or more heating elements of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target. Kits include the reaction/detection units and reagents for amplification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting amplified target nucleic acid is provided wherein the presence and concentration of amplified target is determined by total internal reflection over the course of the amplification reaction. A method and apparatus for detecting target nucleic acid is also provided wherein the presence and concentration of target is determined by total internal reflection and coupling of the target to the TIR element by scissile linkage. An improved immunoassay using total internal reflection and differential temperature cycling is further provided.

Abstract: Short nucleotide sequences of human papilloma virus useful for the determination of the presence and type of human papilloma virus present in a test sample. The sequences provided can be amplified by polymerase chain reaction or ligase chain reaction. The sequences provided also can be hybridized by standard slot-, dot- or replica-blot procedures. Methods and kits also are provided for the detection of human papilloma virus in a test sample and the determination of the type of human papilloma virus present in the test sample.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluorescent 7-hydroxy coumarin compounds with substitutions in the 4 position having a length greater than one carbon atom. The compounds thus are related to 4-methylumbelliferone (7-hydroxy-4-methyl coumarin, or 4-MU), the detectable label used in the IM.sub.x .RTM. instrument assays (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.). The substitutions in the 4 position are branched and include functional groups for coupling to biological molecules.

Abstract: The electrophoresis method of the present invention employs a media which contains uniformly dispersed liposomes of phospholipid, or combinations of phospholipid and neutral lipid, which contain chromogenic materials or dye precursers. After electrophoresis of a test sample, the liposomes are lysed and the chromogen or dye material released. The chromogen or dye can be any signal producing substance including a chromogenic agent, and enzyme, a fluorogenic agent, or a chemiluminescent agent, but a detectable signal occurs only where the staining material is in close proximity to specific enzymes, effectors, analytes, or other color-inducing agents which have migrated through the gel during electrophoresis.