Quanterix Corporation
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE DETECTION OF ANALYTE MOLECULES

Abstract:

Methods and systems for the detection of analyte molecules are generally described. In some embodiments, a method may comprise using a stabilizing agent prior to, during, and/or after one or more steps of a detection assay. The stabilizing agent may serve to maintain and/or increase the detectable signal indicative of the analyte during one or more assay steps and/or until the signal is measured. In such cases, the stabilizing agent may reduce and/or prevent one or more phenomena associated with signal decay, such as, e.g., dissociation between, aggregation of, and/or denaturation of analyte molecules and/or detection molecules. In some embodiments, the stabilizing agent can be used to improve the sensitivity of new and existing assays with little or no adverse effect on specificity. The methods and systems, described herein, may be used for a plethora of applications, including the detection or quantification of low levels of analyte molecules.