Combined polymerase chain reaction-hybridization microplate assay used to detect bovine leukemia virus and Salmonella

Here we describe the use of an assay that integrates the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with hybridization of the amplified product for detection in the same microwell. Traditional PCR requires transportation of the amplified product to another system for characterization of samples. Transportation means time-consuming manipulation and risk of contaminating the laboratory with amplified product. Integration of amplification and specific product detection greatly reduces sample manipulations and the risk of contamination. We used the assay for detection of bovine leukemia virus and Salmonella. The results were identical with those produced by two traditional PCR methods. This assay could easily be adapted for other organisms, simply by using other primers and probes.