Method for conducting nucleic acid hybridization in chamber with precise

Abstract

An improved method for carrying out multiple laboratory processes including hybridization, cell growth and chromatographic separations including steps of: providing a laboratory apparatus having a hollow recessed chamber and a removable cover sized to be slidably retained in at least a portion of the hollow recessed chamber for providing a variable volume chamber. Inserting a sandwich including a membrane having DNA fragments bound thereto, and a porous non-reactive filter on either side of the membrane into the chamber and inserting the slidable cover, a distance sufficient to provide a minimum volume chamber for the sandwich. Delivering a pre-hybridization solution to the chamber by utilizing a fluid administration kit in fluid communication with the chamber and pre-hybridizing the DNA fragments at a desired temperature. Removing the pre-hybridization solution from the chamber by the fluid administration kit. Delivering a probe/hybridization solution to the chamber by the fluid administration kit and hybridizing the DNA fragments at the same temperature as pre-hybridization. Removing the hybridization solution from the chamber by the fluid administration kit. Passing a low salt wash fluid through the chamber by the fluid administration kit to wash the DNA containing membrane. Then removing the cover from the hollow recessed chamber, and remove the membrane from the chamber and allow the membrane to dry.