Automated nucleic acid assay system
First Claim
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1. A nucleic acid assay system for analyzing a sample using a reagent, comprising:
- holding means for receiving said sample and said reagent;
PCR reactor means for amplifying said sample;
detection means for detection of PCR amplicon;
transport means for selectively transporting said sample and said reagent to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means, said transport means operatively connected to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means;
control means for selectively adding said reagent to said sample, mixing said sample and said reagent, performing PCR amplification, and detecting PCR amplicon, said control means operatively connected to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, said detection means, and said transport means; and
means for decontaminating said holding means, said PCR reactor means, said detection means.
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Abstract
A nucleic acid assay system includes a holding means that receives a sample and a reagent. A PCR reactor means amplifies the sample and produces an amplified sample. A detection means detects PCR amplicon. A transport means selectively transports the sample and the reagent relative to the holding means, the PCR reactor means, and the detection means. A control means is provided for selectively adding the reagent to the sample, mixing the sample and the reagent, performing PCR amplification, and detecting PCR amplicon. A decontamination means is provided for decontaminating the holding means, the PCR reactor means, and the detection means.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A nucleic acid assay system for analyzing a sample using a reagent, comprising:
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holding means for receiving said sample and said reagent;
PCR reactor means for amplifying said sample;
detection means for detection of PCR amplicon;
transport means for selectively transporting said sample and said reagent to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means, said transport means operatively connected to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means;
control means for selectively adding said reagent to said sample, mixing said sample and said reagent, performing PCR amplification, and detecting PCR amplicon, said control means operatively connected to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, said detection means, and said transport means; and
means for decontaminating said holding means, said PCR reactor means, said detection means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A nucleic acid assay method for analyzing a sample using a reagent, comprising the steps of:
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providing a holding means for receiving said sample and said reagent;
providing a PCR reactor means for amplifying said sample;
providing a detection means for detection of PCR amplicon;
transporting said sample and said reagent to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means;
said transport means operatively connected to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means;
providing a decontamination means for decontaminating said holding means, said PCR reactor means, said detection means; and
providing a control means for selectively mixing said sample and said reagent, performing PCR amplification, detecting PCR amplicon, and decontaminating said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said detection means;
said control means operatively connected to said holding means, said PCR reactor means, and said decontamination means. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A nucleic acid assay method for analyzing a sample, comprising the steps of:
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utilizing a holding vessel for mixing said sample with a reagent;
utilizing a reactor for amplifying said sample and producing an amplified sample;
utilizing a detector for detecting PCR amplicon;
utilizing a fluidic system for selectively transporting said sample, said reagent, and said amplified sample relative to said holding means;
decontaminating and conditioning said nucleic acid assay system; and
utilizing a control for controlling the selectively adding of said reagent to said sample, mixing of said sample and said reagent, performing PCR amplification, detecting PCR amplicon, and decontaminating and conditioning said nucleic acid assay system. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification