Amplification methods and compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and routines for developing and optimizing nucleic acid detection assays for use in basic research, clinical research, and for the development of clinical detection assays. In particular, the present invention provides methods for designing oligonucleotide primers to be used in multiplex amplification reactions. The present invention also provides methods to optimize multiplex amplification reactions.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method comprising: a) providing a sample comprising 150 or more target nucleic acids; b) amplifying said 150 or more target nucleic acids using the polymerase chain reaction under conditions such that each of said target nucleic acids is amplified to generate 150 or more amplified targets; and c) exposing said 150 or more amplified targets to invasive cleavage assay reagents.