Patent ID: 6127120
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: C12Q,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid or nucleic acid unit in a sample, the method comprising the steps of:a) forming a primary complex between a SER(R)S-active label and any target present in the sample, optionally via a target binding species containing a nucleic acid or nucleic acid unit;b) preparing a detection sample in which the primary complex, or a secondary complex containing the label and the target binding species and derived directly from the primary complex, is associated with a SER(R)S-active surface; andc) detecting the presence of the primary or the secondary complex in the detection sample, as an indication of the presence of the target in the original sample by obtaining and analysing a SER(R)S spectrum for the detection sample;wherein, in the detection sample, the concentration of the target present in the primary complex, or of the nucleic acid or unit contained in the target biding species in the secondary complex, is no higher than 10.sup.-10 moles per liter.