Automated process for preparing and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence
AssigneeGen-Probe Incorporated
InventorsKelly G. Ammann, Ralph E. Burns, Ernest V. Hansberry, Glenn A. Horner, Cheryl A. Jakub, John E. Kling, Donald J. Nieglos, Robert E. Schneider, Robert J. Smith
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Abstract
An automated process for preparing and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence within a stand-alone unit.
Claims32
A process for preparing and amplifying a target sequence contained within a target nucleic acid present in a fluid sample, the process comprising performing in a stand-alone unit the ordered and automated steps of:
- a) immobilizing the target nucleic acid on a solid support;
- b) separating other material present in the fluid sample from the target nucleic acid immobilized in step a);
- c) washing the solid support one or more times with a wash solution;
- and
- d) amplifying the target sequence in a receptacle containing the target nucleic acid and amplification reagents provided thereto, the receptacle being formed to have an open top end and a closed bottom end wherein the stand-alone unit comprises first and second stations, and wherein steps a)–c) are performed at the first station and step d) is performed at the second station.
The process of clam 1, wherein the solid support comprises a magnetically responsive particle.
A process for preparing and amplifying a target sequence contained within a target nucleic acid present in a fluid sample, the process comprising performing in a stand-alone unit the ordered and automated steps of:
- a) immobilizing the target nucleic acid on a solid support;
- b) separating other material present in the fluid sample from the target nucleic acid immobilized in step a);
- c) washing the solid support one or more times with a wash solution;
- and
- d) amplifying the target sequence in a tubular receptacle containing the target nucleic acid and amplification reagents provided thereto, wherein steps a)–d) are performed in the stand-alone unit.
The process of clam 15, wherein the solid support comprises a magnetically responsive particle.
A process for preparing and amplifying a target sequence contained within a target nucleic acid present in a fluid sample, the process comprising performing within a housing of a stand-alone unit the ordered and automated steps of:
- a) at a first station contained within the housing, immobilizing the target nucleic acid on a magnetically responsive particle;
- subjecting the magnetically responsive particle to a magnetic field and aspirating other material present in the fluid sample from the immobilized target nucleic acid;
- and washing the magnetically responsive particle one or more times with a wash solution;
- b) transferring the target nucleic acid to a second station contained within the housing;
- and
- c) at the second station, amplifying the target sequence in a receptacle containing the target nucleic acid and amplification reagents provided thereto, wherein the receptacle is one of an integrally formed plurality of receptacles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.