The invention relates to novel nucleic acid reference standards comprising
a nucleic acid comprising a known target sequence bound with a
microparticulate binding agent where the binding agent includes liposomes,
polyamines (e.g., nylon), siliceous compounds (e.g., silica gel, fumed
silica, diatomaceous earth, glass particles, amine-modified silica, and
the like), zeolites (e.g., low alumina zeolyte), polystyrene (e.g.,
amine-modified polystyrene, carboxy-polystyrene particles, and the like),
chitin, chitosan, and combinations of these compounds. The reference
standard is useful for use as a standard in any nucleic acid assay where
the presence or absence of a nucleic acid of interest is being assessed.
The reference standard is stable and provides a control for assessing
whether the nucleic acid assay was performed properly. The invention
further relates to methods of producing such reference standards and kits
for using and producing the same pursuant to the teachings of the
invention.
