Technology Description: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques have provided sensitive and specific means for testing for the presence of DNA-containing samples, such as living contaminants in imported agricultural commodities. The procedure has drawbacks, however, including the need for multiple, time-consuming and expensive steps, and the inability to distinguish between living and dead cellular materials. The technology provides a simplified diagnostic kit and two-step direct PCR method which combines biological and enzymatic amplification of PCR targets. Advantages over conventional PCR include the exclusive detection of living cells, a 100 to 1000 fold increase in sensitivity, the elimination of PCR inhibitors often associated with environmental samples, and elimination of the need for DNA purification prior to amplification. The technology is applicable to the microbiological, environmental, and biotechnology industries engaged in detecting living contaminants. Additionally, it is useful for companies studying epidemiology, host-pathogen relations, biopesticide risk assessment, and soil and water environmental sampling. Reference: Please refer to Patent Number 6,410,223, "A Direct Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay, or BIO-PCR," which issued June 25, 2002. Inventors: Norman W. Schaad Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5023 (301) 619-2847 / Fax: (301) 619-2880 schaad@ncifcrf.gov E. Hatziloukas Department of Plant Pathology University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 643-8959 / Fax: (510) 643-3845 N. J. Panopoulos Department of Plant Pathology University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 643-8959 / Fax: (510) 643-3845