Gen-probe, Inc.

Robert F Scalese

Byron J Knight

Haitao Li

Christopher B Davis

Robert E Heinz

Gary D Lair

Thanh N Nguyen

Florence Li

Jerzy A Macioszek

Matthew J Hayes

Daniel L Kacian

Robert Andrew Howard

Mark A Talmer

Arthur G Sandoval

James M Carrick

Rommel M Hipolito

Li Haito

Christopher Brandon Davis

Florence F Li

Haito Li

A continuous process for performing multiple nucleic acid amplification assays, where at least a portion of a second subset of reaction mixtures are transferred to a heater while a first subset of reaction mixtures are being subjected to conditions for performing a nucleic acid amplification assay. During the process, a plurality of reaction mixtures from the first and second subsets of reaction mixtures are simultaneously subjected to conditions sufficient to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification assays in the reaction mixtures. The presence or absence of a target nucleic acid in the first subset of reaction mixtures is determined while the reaction mixtures are in the heater.

Continuous process for performing multiple nucleic acid amplification assays

To minimize cross talk in systems and methods for detecting two or more different optical signals emitted from each of a plurality of reaction receptacles, an excitation signal associated with each of the optical signals has a known excitation frequency, and any detected signal having a frequency that is inconsistent with the excitation frequency is discarded. The receptacles are moved relative to optical sensors configured to detect each unique optical signal from an associated receptacle, and to further minimize cross talk, the optical sensors are arranged so that only one reaction receptacle at a time is in a signal detecting position with respect to one of its associated optical sensors, and the optical sensors are grouped by the optical signal they are configured to detect so that a first optical signal is detected from each of the reaction receptacles before a second optical signal is detected from the reaction receptacles.

Systems and methods for detecting multiple optical signals

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Method for continuous mode processing of the contents of multiple reaction receptacles in a real-time amplification assay

System for performing multi-formatted assays

Method for continuous mode processing of multiple reaction receptacles in a real-time amplification assay

Signal measuring system for conducting real-time amplification assays

A sample tube holder having sample tube compartments with sets of spaced finger springs provided therein for maintaining sample tubes in substantially upright orientations. A guide structure having a series of openings is used to direct sample tubes into the sample tube compartments and to restrict lateral movement of sample tubes held thereby. A retainer is releasably engaged by the guide structure and has openings sized to provide access to sample tubes held by the sample tube compartments but which restrict vertical movement of the sample tubes. Tabs at a base of the sample tube holder and hold-downs fixed to a stationary structure adjacent a conveyor cooperate to restrict vertical movement of the sample tube holder during automated sampling procedures.

Sample tube holder

Method for performing multi-formatted assays

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Signal measuring system having a movable signal measuring device

A closure system useful for storing fluids under cold storage conditions. The closure system includes cap and container components which combine to form a dual sealing system. The container has a generally cylindrical side wall, a closed bottom end, and an open top end having an inner beveled lip depending from an annular top rim. The cap has a generally circular top wall from which inner and outer skirts depend. The outer skirt is adapted to grip the open top end of the container. The inner skirt includes an outer surface having a lower seal bead and an upper beveled portion mated with the beveled lip. When the cap is fitted onto the container, the seal bead contacts an inner surface of the container and the upper beveled portion and the beveled lip are engaged in an interference fit, thereby impeding the loss of fluid from the closure system under cold storage conditions.

Closure system

Growing community of inventors

Escondido, CA, United States of America

Robert F Scalese