Patent ID: 7632638

Claim:
A method for detecting viral load in an individual, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing a fluid comprising a sample and a plurality of magnetic particles coated with a first capture agent capable of binding a virus into a fluid chamber, wherein at least one surface of the fluid chamber comprises a flexural plate wave device and a second capture agent capable of binding the virus, wherein the flexural plate wave device has a membrane that is capable of vibrating, and wherein the second capture agent is bound to the membrane; b) applying a retractable source of magnetic flux positioned external to the fluid chamber close to the membrane to create a significant magnetic field gradient at a surface of the membrane to attract magnetic particles in the fluid toward the membrane; c) monitoring a first signal output by said flexural plate wave device, wherein the first signal output is monitored in the presence of a magnetic flux; d) after removing the retractable source of magnetic flux, flowing a solution through the fluid chamber to remove magnetic particles not bound to the membrane; e) monitoring a second signal output by said flexural plate wave device, wherein the second signal output is monitored in the absence of the magnetic flux; and f) comparing the first and second signal output to a control signal, thereby detecting viral load in the individual.