A sample plate with a plurality of sample wells

摘要

A sample plate compfising a plurality of sample wells 19 wherein each sample well comprises a plurality of tapered pockets or bores 21 into which reagent beads or microspheres 20A are inserted by a reagent bead or microsphere dispenser. The reagent beads or microspheres may be coated with an antibody or antigen enabling multiplexed ELISA procedures to be performed. Alternatively, the reagent beads may be coated with a DNA or RNA sequence to act as a hybridization probe to test for the presence of a complementary DNA or RNA sequence. The bore 21 may comprise a countersunk or enlarged portion to facilitate insertion of the bead. The bores 21 are preferably positioned around the edge or perimeter of the sample well such that the central region is substantially flat. In use, a control system actuates the reagent dispenser which selectively dispenses a reagent bead into bore 21. The sample/fluid to be analyzed is dispensed into the central region and flows into the bore so that the fluid contacts the bead. Multiple assays may be performed on one sample. A bead dispenser is also disclosed.