Nucleic Acid Assays

Abstract

The present invention relates to the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences, either by a process of amplification of specific nucleic acid sequences or not. More particularly the invention provides for improved compositions and methods for reducing the chance for contamination from manipulation of reagents, internal controls for amplification, and the use of automated apparatus for the automated detection of one, or more than one amplified nucleic acid sequences.

1 . A device for the automated detection of a first target nucleic acid and a second target nucleic acid, said apparatus comprising a solid phase receptacle, wherein said receptacle is coated with a first capture nucleic acid which can form a specific hybridization complex with said first target nucleic acid, and a second capture nucleic acid which can form a specific hybridization complex with said second target nucleic acid. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said first capture nucleic acid and said second capture nucleic acid are coated on said solid phase receptacle in two distinct zones. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein first capture nucleic acid and said second capture nucleic acid are coated on said solid phase receptacle in a single zone. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , modified for the detection of more than two nucleic acids, wherein the device further comprises additional capture nucleic acids which can each form a specific hybridization complex with additional target nucleic acid other than said first or second target nucleic acid in said sample.