Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for the improved detection of rare mutations within a high background. Exemplary embodiments relate to kits and methods that include amplification primers, a blocking oligonucleotide, and one or more allele-specific detector probes, useful in the specific detection of rare allelic variants or mutations.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods for determining the presence of a non-mutated Mycobacterium rpoB gene core region. For example, presented herein are methods that permit the determination of whether a Mycobacterium is rifampin-resistant by determining whether or not the Mycobacterium rpoB gene core region comprises a mutation. In accordance with such methods, multi-drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium also can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to probes, methods, and kits used to determine the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample. The probes, methods, and kits comprise at least one capture probe and/or at least one detector probe.

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.

Abstract: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5? adapter sequence for detection of variations in 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: A process for detecting the presence or absence of gram-positive bacteria in a biological sample. The biological sample can be obtained from any mammal and contains, at a minimum, cellular components. The sample is combined with an enzymatic lysing agent such as achromopeptidase, and lysed at room temperature. Ferric oxide is then added to the sample containing achromopeptidase. A magnetic field is applied to the sample and nucleic acids are extracted from the cellular components. Target nucleic acids, if present, are amplified using techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and then used to detect the presence or absence of gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae are examples of target bacteria detected by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to probes, methods, and kits used to determine the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample. The probes, methods, and kits comprise at least one capture probe and/or at least one detector probe.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from SARS-CoV nucleic acid that facilitate detection and/or quantification of the nucleocapsid gene are disclosed. The disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of amplification and non-amplification formats for detection of SARSCoV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to probes, methods, and kits used to determine the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample. The probes, methods, and kits comprise at least one capture probe and/or at least one detector probe.

Abstract: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5? adapter sequence for detection of variations in 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: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5? adapter sequence for detection of variations in 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: Primers and probes derived from SARS-CoV nucleic acid that facilitate detection and/or quantification of the replicase gene are disclosed. The disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of amplification and non-amplification formats for detection of SARS-CoV infection.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from SARS-CoV nucleic acid that facilitate detection and/or quantification of the replicase gene are disclosed. The disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of amplification and non-amplification formats for detection of SARS-CoV infection.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods for specific amplification and detection of an ORF6 gene target are disclosed. The primer-target binding sequences are useful for amplification and detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae target in a variety of amplification and detection reactions.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from the HIV-1 pol gene which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HIV-1 (A-I and O). Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of amplification and non-amplification formats for detection of HIV nucleic acids.

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: 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: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5′ adapter sequence for detection of variations in 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: Primers and probes derived from the 5′ untranslated region of the HCV genome which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HCV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for amplification and/or detection of HCV nucleic acids.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from the HBV DNA polymerase gene which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HBV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for detection of HBV nucleic acids.