초록 ▼

Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a one or two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a dete

Methods, devices, apparatus and kits for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid are provided. The apparatus is a one or two-tier thermal cycling device that operates in conjunction with a reaction/detection unit. A sample is loaded into a reaction chamber of the device which is then mated with a detection chamber to form the reaction/detection unit. A first heating element of the thermal cycling apparatus applies a desired temperature to the reaction/detection device to amplify target nucleic acid in the sample. The reaction mixture is then transferred to the detection chamber by the second heating element and amplified target nucleic acid is immobilized on a support in the detection chamber. Microprocessor control controls the heat applied by the second element independently of the heat applied by the first element. A detection system associated with the apparatus detects and analyzes the immobilized amplified nucleic acid target. Images are captured and digitized and subjected to statistical analysis to improve the accuracy of the method.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for transferring a fluid sample between a reaction chamber and a detection chamber within a device, comprising the steps of:a) providing a device having a reaction chamber and a detection chamber connected by means for fluid communication between the reaction and detection

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for transferring a fluid sample between a reaction chamber and a detection chamber within a device, comprising the steps of:a) providing a device having a reaction chamber and a detection chamber connected by means for fluid communication between the reaction and detection chambers, and having a reaction sample disposed in said reaction chamber, wherein a propellant is also disposed in said reaction chamber such that the sample is between the propellant and the means for fluid communication, and wherein further the propellant is non-mechanically inducible to expand; andb) non-mechanically inducing the propellant to expand to occupy a larger volume, thereby forcing the sample through the means for fluid communication into the detection chamber.