Sample plate systems and methods
A sample plate comprising a sample well is disclosed. The sample well can comprise one or more bead retaining chambers. Also provided herein is a method of using the sample plate and kits comprising the sample plate.
1. An Immunoassay sample plate comprising a circular sample well having a circular arrangement of probes, wherein the probes are defined by reagent beads.
2. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said probes comprise a nucleic acid, antibody, antibody fragment, protein, peptide, aptamer, chemical compound or oligonucleotide.
3. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 2 , wherein each said probe is attached to a respective one of said beads.
4. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said bead comprises a microparticle, particle or microsphere.
5. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 3 , wherein each bead has a diameter in the range 0.5-1.0 mm.
6. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sample well comprises a central fluid receiving area.
7. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the central fluid receiving area is in fluid communication with each of the probes of the sample well.
8. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 6 , wherein each of the probes is located radially outward of and fluidly exposed to the central fluid receiving area.
9. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising concentric circles of probes.
10. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said sample well comprises a base portion, wherein said base portion comprises a plurality of recesses, wherein a bead is located in each recess, each recess having a circular cross-section and comprising a tapered section.
11. The Immunoassay sample plate as claimed in claim 10 , wherein said beads are retained or secured within said recesses by an interference or friction fit with the tapered section.
12. A method of detection, said method employing an Immunoassay sample plate comprising a circular sample well having a circular arrangement of probes, wherein the probes are defined by reagent beads, wherein said probes are used to detect at least one of an analyte in a biological sample or an antibody or biomarker in a sample indicative of a disease or condition.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein each of said probes is used to detect a different analyte.
14. The method of claim 12 , further comprising: depositing a fluid sample in a central receiving area in fluid communication with each of the probes of the sample well.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: directing the fluid sample radially outward within the sample well to expose to the fluid sample to the probes.