A @entity1885 -labeled DNA probe was compared to a @entity7263 radio-labeled DNA probe for the detection of serum @entity1956 virus (HBV) DNA. Serum specimens were treated with proteolytic enzyme and detergent. DNA was extracted using @entity3971 , denatured in @entity7159 and applied to a nitrocellulose filter paper using a vacuum filter device. The nitrocellulose filters were then incubated with either the @entity1885 -labeled or the radio-labeled probe. Annealing of the probe, indicating the presence of @entity97 -DNA in the sample, was detected either by autoradiography for the @entity7263 -labeled probe or by measuring the presence of an acid phosphatase attached to a streptavidin molecule for the @entity1885 -labeled probe. Using the same 2-day time to complete the assays, excellent correlation of the qualitative and semiquantitative measurements were obtained using 20 HBsAg-positive and 9 HBsAg-negative sera. The nonisotopic assay detected 1.0 pg of @entity97 -DNA, a sensitivity comparable to reported sensitivities of @entity7263 -labeled @entity97 -DNA probes when similar assay times are used. 0.02 pg/microliter of @entity97 -DNA was detected in a normal serum to which @entity97 -DNA in a recombinant plasmid was added. Our results indicate that the @entity1885 -labeled @entity97 -DNA probe is approximately as sensitive as the radio-labeled probe for the detection of @entity97 -DNA using a similar assay time. Isotopic probe assays are more sensitive with longer assay times. The @entity1885 -labeled probe offers the advantage of a longer shelf life and a nonisotopic assay procedure.

Comparison of radio-labeled DNA probe with a nonisotopic probe for assay of serum XXXX virus DNA.

@entity97 :: ('10407', 'Species') :: ['HBV'] @entity7263 :: ('CHEBI:37972', 'Chemical') :: ['32P'] @entity1956 :: ('MESH:D006509', 'Disease') :: ['hepatitis B'] @entity1885 :: ('MESH:D001710', 'Chemical') :: ['biotin'] @entity3971 :: ('MESH:D019800', 'Chemical') :: ['phenol'] @entity7159 :: ('MESH:D012972', 'Chemical') :: ['sodium hydroxide']
@entity1956 :: (MESH:D006509,Disease) :: ['hepatitis B']
