Abstract: Methods for assaying a sample for an analyte are provided. In various embodiments, the methods comprise contacting a sample suspected of containing the analyte with a non-uniform particle comprising a capture molecule, and further contacting the particle with a detection moiety comprising a label that permits detection of the analyte when associated with the particle. The methods may be performed to detect and/or quantitate analyte in the sample. In some embodiments, the methods may be performed in an automated manner, and may use an optical and/or cytometric apparatus for performing the method(s). The methods may further be performed with automated vessel-processing apparatus(es), such as plate loaders, plate washers, etc. Also provided are complexes containing the described materials formed by an assay of the invention, including excited state complexes. Kits useful for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.