Method for determining the presence of an RNA analyte in a sample using a modified oligonucleotide probe

A diagnostic method for the specific detection of an RNA analyte in a sample, said method comprising:

• a) contacting a sample with an oligonucletide probe having a detectable label in the presence of a detergent under conditions such that a first base region of said probe stably and specifically hybridizes to a second base region of an RNA analyte to form a probe:analyte hybrid containing at least one ribonucleotide modified to include a 2′-O-methyl substitution to the ribofuranosyl moiety, wherein said probe does not stably hybridize under said conditions to non-analyte nucleic acids present in said sample;
• and
• b) determining whether said hybrid is present in said sample as an indication of the presence or absence of said RNA analyte in said sample.

A diagnostic method for the specific detection of an RNA analyte in a sample, said method comprising:

• a) contacting a sample with an oligonucleotide probe having a detectable label under conditions such that a first base region of said probe stably and specifically hybridizes to a second base region present in an RNA analyte to form a probe:analyte hybrid containing at least one ribonucleotide modified to include a 240 -O-methyl substitution to the ribofuranosyl moiety, said first base region targeting a double-stranded region contained within said second base region, wherein said probe does not stably hybridize under said conditions to non-analyte nucleic acids present in said sample, and wherein said probe is free in solution when contacted with said sample;
• and
• b) determining whether said hybrid is present in said sample as an indication of the presence or absence of said RNA analyte in said sample.