Probes, bDNA signal amplification

The molecular sensitivities of the first and second generations of the bDNA assays were limited by nonspecific hybridization between the amplification probes and other nucleic acids. Short regions of hybridization between any of the probes constituting the amplification system, (preamplifier, amplifier, and labeled probe) and any nontarget nucleic acid sequence leads to amplification of the background signal. Capture probes, capture extenders, and sample nucleic acid are all sources of this background hybridization (Collins et al 1997). 

Branched DNA (bDNA) assays are commercially available for detection of HBV-DNA as detailed by Attila (2006) and Benner et al. (2005). This assay consists of a variety of bDNA associated with signal amplification reporter molecule. Solid support is coated with capture probe that hybridizes with capture... 

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