VERFAHREN ZUR BEHANDLUNG EINER BIOMOLEKÜLE ENTHALTENDEN PROBE

Sample pre-processing method, for subsequent preparation, processing and analysis of at least one type of nucleic acid and/or protein (X), comprises contacting the sample containing at least one (X) with a liquid or solid composition (A) containing at least one N-containing compound (I), so as to form a liquid sample composition. Sample pre-processing method, for subsequent preparation, processing and analysis of at least one type of nucleic acid and/or protein (X), comprises contacting the sample containing at least one (X) with a liquid or solid composition (A) containing at least one N-containing compound (I), so as to form a liquid sample composition. (I) is at least one of polyamines; amino acids, oligo- and poly-peptides; N-containing heterocycles, including their homo- and hetero-polymers; amines R 1>R 2>NR 3>; carboxamides; inorganic ammonium salts; internal salt compounds that include ammonium groups; nucleic acid-binding antibiotics; compounds that bind to the minor groove of DNA and mixtures of these compounds. R 1>-R 3>hydrogen, 1-5C alkyl or aryl, but not all hydrogen. Independent claims are also included for: (1) method for lysing a biological sample that contains at least one (X), in a 'casing', by treatment with (A); (2) analytical method for determining at least one (X) in a sample by generating a lysate by the new method, then using the lysate in an appropriate reaction (or sequence of reactions); (3) method for stabilizing (X) in a sample by contact with (A); (4) method for reducing inhibitory effects in a sample containing at least two species of nucleic acid (NA) by contact with (A), where the amount of (I) is sufficient to mask one NA while allowing detection of the other NA; and (5) differential analysis for detecting one or more species of NA that involves masking as in method (4).