Automated process for isolating and amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence

US6890742B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Kelly G. Ammann · Longmont, US
• Ralph E. Burns · Boulder, US
• Ernest V. Hansberry · Evergreen, US
• Glenn A. Horner · Boulder, US
• Cheryl A. Jakub · Golden, US
• John E. Kling · San Diego, US
• Donald J. Nieglos · Superior, US
• Robert E. Schneider · Erie, US
• Robert J. Smith · Brookline, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 1, 2001
• Grant date: May 10, 2005
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2023

Classification

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

Abstract

An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next. The analyzer further includes devices for carrying a plurality of specimen tubes and disposable pipette tips in a machine-accessible manner, a device for agitating containers of target capture reagents comprising suspensions of solid support material and for presenting the containers for machine access thereto, and a device for holding containers of reagents in a temperature controlled environment and presenting the containers for machine access thereto. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte. The process is performed by automati…