Abstract: The present invention provides novel solution phase hybridization-based methods for detecting and quantitating nucleic acid analytes. Methods comprising use of novel capture polymers and/or signaling systems are provided. Use of these novel capture polymers and/or signaling systems provides significant improvements in signal to noise ratio, specificity, sensitivity and ease of development and use as compared to existing solution phase nucleic acid detection and quantitation methods. The invention further provides compositions, kits and articles of manufacture for practicing methods of the present invention.