Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of ensuring the effectiveness of the extraction workup from a biological sample of nucleic acid. The inventive method is able to distinguish between possible defects in the extraction of nucleic acid from a sample and possible defects in a subsequent amplification step. The present invention also relates to a packaged array for extracting nucleic acid from a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5? adapter sequence for detection of nucleic acid target sequences. The detection system further comprises a reporter probe, the 3? end of which hybridizes to the complement of the 5? adapter sequence of the signal primer to produce a 5? overhang, Polymerase is used to fill in the overhang and synthesize the complement of the 5? overhang of the reporter probe. Synthesis of the reporter probe complement is detected, either directly or indirectly, as an indication of the presence of the target.

Abstract: Amplification primers, hybridization probes and associated assay methods of the invention allow the detection and quantification of enterovirus nucleic acids. A broad range of enteroviruses serotypes may be detected. The amplification methods are highly specific and selective for enterovirus, compared to rhinovirus nucleic acids, for example. Further, the high sensitivity and speed of the assay allows detection of fewer than 500 copies of enteroviral genomes in as little as one hour.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte. In one embodiment, target-independent amplicon formation is prevented by using hybridization blocker oligonucleotides that bind oligonucleotide moieties that are not hybridized to each other.