Patent ID: 6221581
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: C12Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for detecting a nucleic acid of interest comprising the steps of:(a) providing one or more oligo- or polynucleotides, each comprising at least one single-stranded polynucleotide segment hybridizable with at least one portion of said nucleic acid of interest;(b) forming at least one first complex comprising said single-stranded polynucleotide segment or segments hybridized to said nucleic acid of interest;(c) contacting said first complex or complexes with one or more complex forming moieties which are capable of generating a signal to form a second complex or complexes;(d) capturing or collecting directly or indirectly said second complex or complexes;(e) optionally, washing to remove any uncaptured or uncollected elements; and(f) detecting directly or indirectly the presence of said nucleic acid of interest;wherein when said capturing or collecting is carried out with an oligo- or polynucleotide fixed or immobilized to a solid support, said oligo- or polynucleotide is substantially incapable of hybridizing with said nucleic acid of interest or portion thereof.