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.