Assay with specifically designed single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe with a defined (known) nucleotide sequence usually immobilised on a surface (in such a case, the nucleic acid probe is called the capture probe).
Note: The probe is used as a recognition element to test for the nucleotide sequence within the target DNA in the sample solution. If target DNA contains a sequence complementary to the probe, a hybrid double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is formed.
Source:
PAC, 2018, 90, 1121. 'Terminology of bioanalytical methods (IUPAC Recommendations 2018)' on page 1184 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2016-1120)