Patent ID: 6340568
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: B82Y,C12Q,G01N,H01J

Abstract:
A method for detecting nucleic acid hybridization complexes, comprising:(1) acquiring a spectrum for a hybridization complex formed between (a) a nucleic acid probe that is electromagnetically coupled to a portion of a signal path wherein one or more said signal path and one or more said probe are present in an apparatus in which said method is carried out, each signal path having a corresponding nucleic acid probe, and wherein a plurality of probes and signal paths, if plurality is present, are optionally arranged as elements of an array, and (2) a nucleic acid target in a sample, by propagating a test signal along said signal path and detecting a response signal for the hybridization complex formed between the probe and target, wherein said propagating step comprises varying said test signal with time; and (b) examining said spectrum for the presence of a signal which is characteristic for a hybridization complex between said probe and a particular target, wherein said acquiring takes place without washing unbound nucleic acids from said probe before acquiring said spectrum.