Patent ID: 7070925
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: C07H,C12Q

Abstract:
1. A diagnostic method for the specific detection of an RNA analyte in a sample, said method comprising: a) processing a sample to allow for or enhance discrimination between an RNA analyte and non-analyte nucleic acids present in said sample; b) contacting said sample with an oligonucleotide probe having a detectable label under conditions such that a first base region of said probe stably and specifically hybridizes to a second base region of said RNA analyte to form a probe:analyte hybrid containing at least one ribonucleotide modified to include a 2′-O-methyl substitution to the ribofuranosyl moiety, wherein said probe does not stably hybridize under said conditions to non-analyte nucleic acids present in said sample, and wherein said probe is free in solution when contacted with said sample; and c) determining whether said hybrid is present in said sample as an indication of the presence or absence of said RNA analyte in said sample.