Patent ID: 6406913
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: C07D,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing said analyte, said method comprising:a) forming a mixture comprising said sample, a first substance that can produce an intrinsically metastable species, and a second substance that can react with an intrinsically metastable species to produce a detectable signal, by combining at least said sample and said first and second substances; b) treating said mixture with energy or a reactive compound to cause said first substance to form an intrinsically metastable species, wherein said analyte, if present, either i) brings said second substance into close proximity to the site of formation of said intrinsically metastable species, or ii) blocks said second substance from coming into close proximity of the site of formation of said intrinsically metastable species; and c) determining whether said intrinsically metastable species has reacted with said second substance by detecting a signal produced by said second substance as a result of activation of said second substance by said intrinsically metastable species, the presence or amount of said signal indicating the presence of analyte in said sample.