Other

Maine Molecular Quality Controls, Inc.

Joan E Gordon

Clark A Rundell

The invention relates to novel nucleic acid reference standards comprising a nucleic acid comprising a known target sequence bound with a microparticulate binding agent where the binding agent includes liposomes, polyamines (e.g., nylon), siliceous compounds (e.g., silica gel, fumed silica, diatomaceous earth, glass particles, amine-modified silica, and the like), zeolites (e.g., low alumina zeolyte), polystyrene (e.g., amine-modified polystyrene, carboxy-polystyrene particles, and the like), chitin, chitosan, and combinations of these compounds. The reference standard is useful for use as a standard in any nucleic acid assay where the presence or absence of a nucleic acid of interest is being assessed. The reference standard is stable and provides a control for assessing whether the nucleic acid assay was performed properly. The invention further relates to methods of producing such reference standards and kits for using and producing the same pursuant to the teachings of the invention.

Compositions and methods relating to nucleic acid reference standards

The invention relates to novel control DNA constructs, and methods and kits for using and making the same, which provide comprehensive controls useful for quality assurance in the diagnostic detection of complex genetic diseases such as, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, and for quality assurance in nucleic acid assays to detect components associated with an environmental condition or a biological organism.

Compositions and methods relating to control DNA construct

A container package includes a series of similarly configured containers maintained in adjacent relation by a series of interconnected rings formed from a resilient deformable material each surrounding one of the containers of the container package. The rings may have one or more weakened portions that rupture in response to stress applied by a link connecting the ring to the container as the container is removed. The link may be an adhesive that attaches the ring to the container at a point adjacent a weakened portion or alternatively may be a bracket straddling the ring. Alternatively, a bracket having an inner cutting edge may straddle the ring. The cutting edge severs the ring as the container is removed from the package. The rupture of the ring in each of these embodiments prevents wildlife from becoming entangled in unruptured rings of plastic carriers once the package is discarded.

Environmentally sound carrier package

A container package including a series of similarly configured containers maintained in adjacent relation by a series of interconnected rings formed from a resilient deformable material each surrounding one of the containers of the container package. A plastic strip that passes through a loop located on a container and attaches to its surrounding ring, or a bracket attached to the container straddling the ring, provides a permanent connection between each container and its surrounding ring. The rings are weakened either side of the connection so that on removal of a container from a ring the stress caused to the ring by the connection to the container ruptures the ring. This prevents wildlife from becoming entangled in unruptured rings of plastic carriers once the package is discarded.

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Joan E Gordon