METHODS: Analytical sensitivity was determined for each assay by testing serial dilutions of organisms and a cloned target nucleic acid sequence. Specificity was evaluated by challenging the assays with a variety of potential cross-reactants, including genetically related bacteria. To determine whether a carrier state exists for the target organisms, approximately 100 throat swab specimens were...

Genetic improvement of seed vigour and emergence of yellow-seeded flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is important to have a good stand establishment, since they are negatively affected by yellow seed colour. This study was conducted to investigate genetic variation, broad-sense heritability and expected genetic response to selection for germination, seed vigour and field emergence. Sixteen genotypes...

For several years we used rayon or Dacron swabs with liquid transport media for collection and transport of throat swab specimens for testing with the Gen-Probe Group A Strep Direct Test (GASDT). A report of favorable results with a Dacron swab without any transport media for GASDT by another laboratory prompted us to compare detection of group A streptococci (GAS) with and without transport me...