Methods and systems for extending dynamic range in assays for the detection of molecules or particles
First Claim
1. A method for determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample, comprising:
- providing a plurality of a first type of capture objects that each are associated with either at least one analyte molecule or particle or are free of any analyte molecules or particles;
providing a plurality of a second type of capture objects that are free of any analyte molecules or particles, wherein the second type of capture objects are distinguishable from the first type of capture objects;
addressing at least a portion of the first type of capture objects and determining the percentage associated with at least one analyte molecule or particle;
addressing at least a portion of the second type of capture objects and determining at least one signal; 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 percentage or particle or determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in the fluid sample based at least in part on the at least one signal and a measured intensity of a signal that is indicative of the presence of a plurality of analyte 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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample, comprising:
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providing a plurality of a first type of capture objects that each are associated with either at least one analyte molecule or particle or are free of any analyte molecules or particles; providing a plurality of a second type of capture objects that are free of any analyte molecules or particles, wherein the second type of capture objects are distinguishable from the first type of capture objects; addressing at least a portion of the first type of capture objects and determining the percentage associated with at least one analyte molecule or particle; addressing at least a portion of the second type of capture objects and determining at least one signal; 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 percentage or particle or determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in the fluid sample based at least in part on the at least one signal and a measured intensity of a signal that is indicative of the presence of a plurality of analyte molecules or particles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification