Method for detecting a target analyte in a sample using an s-shaped function for a slope data set

A computer readable storage medium containing instructions to configure a processor to perform a method for detecting a target analyte in a sample, the method comprising:

• (a) receiving a first data set representing a growth curve by an amplification reaction for a target analyte;
• wherein said first data set includes a plurality of data points, each having a cycle number and a signal value at the cycle number;
• (b) calculating a slope value at each cycle number for the first data set to obtain a second data set;
• wherein said second data set includes a plurality of data points, each having a cycle number and a slope value at the cycle number;
• (c) calculating an S-shaped function that approximates a selected portion of the second data set;
• and
• (d) using the S-shaped function to detect the target analyte in a sample.

A computer program to be stored in a computer readable storage medium to configure a processor to perform a method for detecting a target analyte in a sample, the method comprising:

• (a) receiving a first data set representing a growth curve by an amplification reaction for a target analyte;
• wherein said first data set includes a plurality of data points, each having a cycle number and a signal value at the cycle number;
• (b) calculating a slope value at each cycle number for the first data set to obtain a second data set;
• wherein said second data set includes a plurality of data points, each having a cycle number and a slope value at the cycle number;
• (c) calculating an S-shaped function that approximates a selected portion of the second data set;
• and
• (d) using the S-shaped function to detect the target analyte in a sample.