Biomerieux, Inc.

Biomerieux Vitek, Inc.

Other

Geoff A McKinley

Bryan W Kluttz

Luigi Catanzariti

Louis Graziano

Bruno Colin

Michel Guy

Marcela Vera-Garcia

James G Moe

Christopher Cotter

Fabio Gennari

J Lawrence Burg

Jacques Dachaud

Cecile Jaravel

James Clement Bishop

Cecile Paris

Luigi Catazariti

Jacque Dachaud

Arthur L Garland

David Paul Chastain

Garry R Tegeler

James K Greer

Lawrence Burg

C&eacute;cile Paris

Robert Glassfold

Michael Morin

Thomas Wang

Luigi Catanzarit

An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature. A pneumatic system is also provided that assists in fluid transfer of a reaction solution from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Nucleic acid amplification reaction station for disposable test devices

The present invention relates to the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences after an amplification process, or directly without amplification. In particular, the invention provides for the automation of the amplification and detection process, the amplification and detection of one or more specific nucleic acid sequences, the use of internal controls, reduced potential for contamination caused by the manual manipulation of reagents, and improved reagent compositions to better control assay performance and provide for further protection against contamination.

Nucleic acid assays

The present invention relates to the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences, either by a process of amplification of specific nucleic acid sequences or not. More particularly the invention provides for improved compositions and methods for reducing the chance for contamination from manipulation of reagents, internal controls for amplification, and the use of automated apparatus for the automated detection of one, or more than one amplified nucleic acid sequences.

A unit dose test device for a nucleic acid amplification reaction has the form of a elongate disposable test strip. The test strip includes a dual-chamber reaction vessel pre-loaded with nucleic acid amplification reaction reagents, and a plurality of wells for processing a reaction occurring in the reaction vessel.

Disposable test devices for performing nucleic acid amplification reactions

A testing apparatus is described that contains a test sample and one or more reagents, or reaction solutions associated with chemical reactions and a resilient, compressible, porous material, and which is amenable to subsequent process or reaction steps or liquid transfer steps. A piece of sponge or foam rubber, which is compatible with the amplification reactions and amplification products, is introduced into the reaction vessel and absorbs the test sample and reagents, or reaction solutions associated with an amplification process, or amplification products thus, reducing their loss through aerosolation.

Method and apparatus for carrying out nucleic acid amplification

A reaction vessel for a nucleic acid amplification reaction has a first chamber containing an amplification reagent mix, a second chamber containing an amplification enzyme, and a fluid channel or chamber connecting the first and second chambers together. A fluid sample is introduced into the first chamber. After a denaturation and primer annealing process has occurred in the first chamber, the fluid channel is opened to allow the solution of the reagent and fluid sample to flow into the second chamber. The second chamber is maintained at an optimal temperature for the amplification reaction. A station is described for processing test strips incorporating the reaction vessels. The station includes temperature and vacuum control subsystems to maintain proper temperatures in the reaction vessel and effectuate the transfer of the fluid from one chamber to the other in an automated fashion without human intervention.

Dual chamber disposable reaction vessel for amplification reactions,

Growing community of inventors

Duxbury, MA, United States of America

Geoff A McKinley