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F R O M I N N O VAT I V E T E C H N O L O G I E S . . .
Nucleic Acid Testing
Nucleic acids store and transfer genetic information in cells. The main types of nucleic acids are DNA and R NA, which
are made up of chains of chemicals called nucleotides. Most DNA exists in cells as a double-stranded structure that
resembles a twisted ladder. The nucleotides on opposite sides of the ladder will attach, or hybridize, to each other only in
a precise way. As a result, once scientists have identified a unique genetic sequence within a microorganism (the “target
sequence”), they can design a nucleotide probe that will bind specifically to that sequence. The probe, a sequence of
nucleotides in a specific order, detects and identifies the target microorganism by binding to its unique, complementary
DNA or RNA sequence. DNA probes are the foundation of nucleic acid testing (NAT).
Targeting Ribosomal RNA
Target Capture
Gen-Probe has patented a technique to detect and identify
To detect small numbers of microorganisms in a large
microorganisms using their ribosomal RNA (rR NA) as the
sample, the organisms must be concentrated to a
target sequence. Each cell contains up to 10,000 copies
detectable level. Gen-Probe has developed a technique to
of rRNA, compared to only one or a few copies of DNA,
“capture” targets by immobilizing them on magnetic beads.
which competing NAT assays target. The sensitivity of our
This technique also enables scientists to wash away
tests is greatly enhanced because there is much more
materials in the sample that might interfere with accurate
rRNA to detect than DNA.
results. Our patented target capture technology works with
a wide range of samples (urine, blood, etc.), and eliminates
the need for customers to use other, more labor-intensive
purification steps before performing NAT assays.
...TO SUPERIOR KEY PRODUCTS
APTIMA Combo 2, which
received FDA marketing clearance in August 2001, is an
amplified NAT test that simultaneously detects Chlamydia
trachomatis and Neisseria
gonorrhoeae in female endocer-
GEN-PROBE 2003
vical and vaginal swab specimens, male urethral swab
10
specimens, and male and female urine specimens. The
assay may be used to test symptomatic and asymptomatic
people. APTI MA Combo 2 incorporates Gen-Probe’s
rRNA, target capture, TMA and DKA technologies.