Abstract:
The invention provides methods and devices for detecting, enumerating or identifying target nucleic acid molecules using immobilized capture probes and single molecule sequencing techniques.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods for improving the fidelity of a sequencing-by-synthesis reaction by resequencing at least a portion of a nucleic acid template.
Abstract:
In one aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing the presence of a single molecule using total internal reflection. In one embodiment an apparatus for single molecule analysis includes a support having a sample located thereon; two sources of light at distinct wavelengths, a collimator for directing the light onto the sample through a total internal reflection objective; a receiver for receiving a fluorescent emission produced by a single molecule in the sample in response to the light; and a detector for detecting each of the wavelengths in the fluorescent emission. In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a focusing laser for maintaining focus of the objective on the sample.
Abstract:
The invention provides an apparatus for obtaining a stool specimen. The apparatus comprises a housing, a collection bag, a slider to close the collection bag and a draw string to move the slider. A user places the apparatus on a toilet, deposits a first stool into the collection bag, then pulls the draw string to move the slider to close the collection bag thereby allowing the user to urinate or further defecate.
Abstract:
An apparatus for obtaining a stool specimen. The apparatus comprises a housing, a collection bag, a slider to close the collection bag and a draw string to move the slider. A user places the apparatus on a toilet, deposits a first stool into the collection bag, then pulls the draw string to move the slider to close the collection bag thereby allowing the user to urinate or further defecate.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for identifying nucleic acids. Methods of the invention are useful for identifying and analyzing nucleic acids, especially variants of single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are indicative of disease or the predisposition for disease.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the controlled instrumentation processing of cells and other particles with a filter device measures a parameter of the flow through the filter device of fluid carrying the particles. A measure of the change of the fluid flow through the filter device yields desired information for quantifying the particles and for quantifying the obstruction of the filter device by the particles. The method and apparatus typically operate automatically.
Abstract:
A cartridge-like holder or carrier for automatic operation with a specimen processor has a frame for removable and replaceable alignment in operative engagement with the specimen processor and has multiple supports, each of which removably and replaceably supports an implement such as a container of a biological specimen having cellular particles suspended in a liquid, a filter device for use in collecting cellular particles from the liquid in the sample container, a viewing screen onto which the collected cellular particles can be transferred from the filter device and, further, an output container for receiving the viewing screen with the cellular particles thereon. A transfer mechanism on the apparatus is operable for the automatic transfer of the viewing screen from a support on the frame, where it received the cellular particles, to an output container at a further support on the frame. The cartridge apparatus brings to the specimen processor the sample and all disposable devices, i.e., sample contacting implements, and receives the final prepared specimen and all waste materials and disposables, thereby leaving the processor clean of contact with the sample and operative with successive samples, by way of separate cartridges, without inter-sample cleaning and without risk of inter-sample contamination.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for preparing a stool sample in order to screen for the presence of indicators of a disease, for example a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a circumferential or cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any disease indicator, such as cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells, is obtained in the sample.
Abstract:
Methods of the invention comprise assays for markers indicative of cancer or precancer. Assays of the invention are performed on samples obtained from a patient by non-invasive or minimally-invasive methods. The invention provides nucleic acid indicia of cancer or precancer with high sensitivities and high specificities for detection.