Inventors:
Gary D. Lair - San Diego CA, US
Thanh N. Nguyen - San Diego CA, US
Haitao Li - San Diego CA, US
Florence F. Li - San Diego CA, US
Byron J. Knight - San Diego CA, US
Robert E. Heinz - San Diego CA, US
Jerzy A. Macioszek - San Diego CA, US
Christopher B. Davis - San Diego CA, US
Robert F. Scalese - Escondido CA, US
Assignee:
Gen-Probe Incorporated - San Diego CA
International Classification:
C12M 1/34, C12M 3/00, C12M 1/00
US Classification:
4352887, 4352872, 4352873, 4353031, 435808, 435809, 4353071, 422 8208, 422 8207, 422 99, 356 73, 356246, 2504591, 2504611, 2504612, 2504831
Abstract:
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.