METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXTENDING DYNAMIC RANGE IN ASSAYS FOR THE DETECTION OF MOLECULES OR PARTICLES
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Abstract
Described herein are systems and methods for extending the dynamic range of assay methods and systems used for determining the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample. In some embodiments, a method comprises spatially segregating a plurality of analyte molecules in a fluid sample into a plurality of locations. At least a portion of the locations may be addressed to determine the percentage of said locations containing at least one analyte molecule. Based at least in part on the percentage, a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in the fluid sample may be determined using an analog, intensity-based detection/analysis method/system and/or a digital detection/analysis method/system. In some cases, the assay may comprise the use of a plurality of capture objects.
40 Citations
41 Claims
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1. (canceled)
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2. A method for determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample, comprising:
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providing analyte molecules or particles immobilized with respect to a binding surface having affinity for at least one type of analyte molecule or particle, the binding surface forming or contained within one of a plurality of locations on a substrate; addressing at least some of the plurality of locations and determining a measure indicative of the percentage of said locations containing at least one analyte molecule or particle; and based upon the percentage, either determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in the fluid sample based at least in part on the number of locations containing at least one analyte molecule or particle or determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in the fluid sample based at least in part on a measured intensity of a signal that is indicative of the presence of a plurality of analyte molecules or particles. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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3-20. -20. (canceled)
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25. (canceled)
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27. (canceled)
Specification