A method for the assay of N samples each containing a compound to be tested,
comprises
providing N reaction vessels each containing a population of carrier beads and
other reagents for performing the assay, where N is at least 2 e.g. 80-4000. Each
population of carrier beads is distinguishable from every other population. After
adding the samples to the reaction vessels and performing the assays, the contents
of all the reaction vessels are mixed and subjected to analysis by flow cytometry.
By means of flow cytometry, each carrier bead is rapidly analysed to identify its
population and also to determine the presence or concentration or biological activity
of the compound to be tested.
