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: 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: Cellular samples such as cervical cells can be analyzed using a unique combination of markers that identify abnormal cells while subtracting out false positives that would otherwise be generated by, for example, normally proliferating cells and non-cellular debris. Dysplastic cervical cells can thus be identified quickly and accurately. An assay including analytical reagents and methods of their use can be employed in classifying cervical cytology specimens as being normal or abnormal. This assay is configured to be performed using any of several commonly available classes of laboratory instrumentation and upon the entire range of cervical cytology specimen preparations encountered in clinical practice. This assay is particularly intended for use in high volume screening environments, but also has both diagnostic and research applications.