Highly specific anti-digoxin antiserum from immunization with digoxin 3'-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin conjugate.

are subjected to direct PCR analysis. Alternatively, if sputum liquefaction must be performed, then conditions should be established such that the final concentration of mucolytic agent in the PCR reaction is kept suitably low. Finally, purification of target nudeic acids from liquefied sputum before PCR analysis, while adding further manipulations, would obviate the need for concern over the possible carryover of a mucolytic agent into the PCR reaction.