Containment cuvette for PCR and method of use

US5229297A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Paul N. Schnipelsky · Rochester, US
• Leonard J. Seaberg · Penfield, US
• Charles C. Hinckley · Pittsford, US
• Jeffrey A. Wellman · Rochester, US
• William Harold Donish · Rochester, US
• John B. Findlay · Rochester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 15, 1992
• Grant date: Jul 20, 1993
• Expiry date: Oct 15, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/2575
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A cuvette and a method of use which prevent nucleic acid amplified by PCR technology from being released to the atmosphere, while still proceeding to a detection step to determine whether or not the nucleic acid is present. Detection reagents are either pre-incorporated into compartments in the cuvette or added after amplification. In the latter case, a check valve prevents amplified nucleic acid from being released. Transfer of liquids between compartments is achieved via the use of flexible compartment walls and an external pressure source, or via pistons that are part of the cuvette and operate on the compartments as a piston within a piston chamber.