Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.

Eastman-kodak Company

Marlene M King

John Bruce Findlay

Harold C Warren

Fred T Oakes

Corey H Levenson

John W Sutherland

Chu-an Chang

John W Backus

William Harold Donish

Janice M Mayer

Nucleic acids can be amplified and detected using a very rapid polymerase chain reaction procedure in which two different nucleic acid sequences are present. This method allows one to preferentially modulate (for example, suppress) the degree of amplification of one or more nucleic acid sequences relative to other nucleic acid sequences. This modulation is achieved by exploiting differences in the relative primer melt temperatures, or by using certain ratios of primers. Each PCR cycle is very fast, that is less than about 90 seconds. This method is particularly useful for amplification and detection of DNA associated with infectious agents that may be present in a specimen in very small quantities compared to other nontargeted nucleic acids.

Rapid method for preferential coamplification of two different nucleic

A nucleic acid test article can be used to detect a targeted nucleic acid found in a specimen. The test article includes a substrate having two opposing surfaces and a water-insoluble nucleic acid probe attached in a distinct zone of one of the surfaces. The probe is prepared from a water-insoluble particle to which is covalently attached an oligonucleotide which is complementary to the targeted nucleic acid. Substantially none of the probe is embedded within the surface of the substrate. Particularly useful test articles have a multiplicity of water-insoluble probes located in distinct zones on one of the substrate surfaces. These probes are useful for the detection of a multiplicity of targeted nucleic acids, particularly after amplification by polymerase chain reaction.

Nucleic acid test article and its use to detect a predetermined nucleic

An oligonucleotide is linked to a particle through a protein or carbohydrate to form a water-insoluble nucleic acid probe. The protein or carbohydrate has a pI of about 6 or less, and has been chemically modified with an acylating, alkylating or sulfonylating agent. The particle surface is substantially free of other proteins or carbohydrates. The probe is useful in various diagnostic and purification methods wherein hybridization of the oligonucleotide with a target nucleic acid is possible. In one instance, the probe can be used to capture a DNA strand which has been amplified using polymerase chain reaction techniques.

Nucleic acid probe, test kit and diagnostic and purification methods

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Penfield, NY, United States of America

Marlene M King