Solid phase amplification process

Abstract

A method for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence comprises: (a) providing a first primer hybridizing to the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the primer is immobilized on an immobile solid phase support by a direct chemical linkage between the primer and the solid phase support, wherein the solid phase support forms a part of or is insertable into a container for a sample to be tested, (b) providing a second primer hybridizing to the target nucleic acid sequence in the opposite direction, wherein the second primer is labelled with a detectable label, (c) reacting the first and second primers with a sample containing nucleic acid sequences under conditions which allow amplification of the nucleic acid sequences that hybridize to the first and second primers in the container for the sample, and (d) detecting the presence of bound second primer. Alternatively, the label on the second primer can be attached or incorporated either during or after the amplification process. An assay system or kit for use in this method includes a first primer hybridizing to the target nucleic acid sequence, a second primer hybridizing to the target nucleic acid sequence in the opposite direction, and reagents for amplification of the sample containing nucleic acid sequences under conditions which allow amplification of the nucleic acid sequences that hybridize to the first and second primers in the container for the sample, and reagents for detection of the label on the bound second primer.