Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for high throughput testing of biological samples that may or may not comprise microorganisms. The methods include the use of a diagnostic multiplexing panel (DMP) specifically designed for the simultaneous identification of a plurality of potential microorganisms that may be present in the biological sample via a primer extension reaction directed a highly conserved nucleic acid sequences in the microorganisms under test. The biological sample is typically immobilised on a solid substrate at a first location before being transferred to a second location for analysis using the DMP. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly suited to diagnosis of the presence of infectious pathogens in the biological sample, for example for diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a therapeutic treatment regime in an individual having a disease, comprises: providing at a first location a solid substrate capable of immobilising a biomarker characteristic of the disease and a therapeutic compound in the biological sample, contacting the biological sample with the solid substrate to immobilise the biomarker and the therapeutic compound; transferring the solid substrate with the immobilised biomarker and therapeutic compound to a second location; performing an extraction step on the solid substrate to extract the biomarker and the therapeutic compound; performing a first detection assay to detect and/or quantify the biomarker, performing a second detection assay to quantify the therapeutic compound; and correlating the detection and/or quantity of the biomarker with the disease state of the individual, and comparing the quantity of the therapeutic compound with a target level for treatment of the disease, thereby to assess the efficacy of the treatment regime.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for high throughput testing of biological samples that may or may not comprise microorganisms. The methods include the use of a diagnostic multiplexing panel (DMP) specifically designed for the simultaneous identification of a plurality of potential microorganisms that may be present in the biological sample via a primer extension reaction directed a highly conserved nucleic acid sequences in the microorganisms under test. The biological sample is typically immobilised on a solid substrate at a first location before being transferred to a second location for analysis using the DMP. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly suited to diagnosis of the presence of infectious pathogens in the biological sample, for example for diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection.