Abstract: The methods, compositions and systems provided herein use functionalized beads to detect a target microparticle in a test sample, the method comprising (a) contacting the test sample containing the target microparticle with a plurality of functionalized beads. The size of the target microparticle is less than 1 ?m. The functionalized beads comprise beads coated with molecules of a capture agent, and at least some molecules of the capture agent bind to the target microparticle, thereby forming target microparticle-loaded beads comprising the functionalized beads and the target microparticle. The method further comprises (b) detecting the target microparticle-loaded beads using a flow cytometer, thereby detecting the presence of the target microparticle in the test sample, and the target microparticle-loaded the beads are detected with the detection limit that ranges from 10 microparticles per ml to 10e4 microparticles per ml.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the automated testing of a sample response to one or more chemical stimuli. The provided methods are particularly useful for the automated analysis of allergic responses. Also provided are computer systems and instructions for implementing the provided methods.