Method of preparing nucleic acids for detection

An apparatus for preparing a test sample for purposes of detecting a predetermined target nucleic acid, such apparatus comprising:

• a test probe comprising a oligonucleotide attached to a nanoparticle;
• a hybridization unit containing the test sample and the test probe, wherein said hybridization unit further comprises a target sample substrate, a distribution manifold coupled to a first side of the substrate and a hybridization chamber, the distribution manifold having a plurality of passageways;
• a processing fluids manifold having a plurality of passageways clamped to the distribution manifold of the hybridization unit;
• a gasket disposed between the substrate and the distribution manifold that defines the hybridization chamber between the gasket and substrate and that also defines a plurality of passageways extending parallel to and between opposing surfaces of the substrate and distribution manifold where each passageway of the gasket interconnects the hybridization chamber and a respective passageway of the processing fluids manifold through a respective passageway of the distribution manifold;
• means for denaturing the test sample;
• and
• means for preparing the test sample for detecting the predetermined nucleic acid by pumping a plurality of processing fluids between the processing fluids source manifold and distribution manifold where each processing fluid of the plurality of processing fluids is pumped through a respective passageway of the processing fluids manifold, the distribution manifold and gasket to hybridize the test probe and predetermined target nucleic acid to the target sample substrate, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify a detectable parameter of the nanoparticle of the hybridized sample.