Abstract: A method and apparatus for the qualitative and quantitative detection of analytes is disclosed in which in the detection of an analyte in a sample, an elongated migration base is used, in which there is an area for binding a magnetically marked analyte, and in which, in stages the sample is absorbed into the migration base and the sample spreads on the migration base into the area. The elongated migration base is arranged in connection with a coil and a change in inductance, correlating with the content of the magnetically marked analyte, is detected.