Method for detecting a target molecule in a biological sample

Abstract

A method is provided for detecting a target molecule in a biological sample. One step of the method includes immobilizing the biological sample on a membrane. Next, the membrane-bound biological sample is contacted with at least one detection moiety. The membrane-bound biological sample is then separately mated with a substrate and the target molecule detected. At least one step of the method is performed under positive pressure or a vacuum.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method for detecting a plurality of different target proteins in a biological sample, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) contacting the biological sample with a plurality of different capture moieties, the plurality of different capture moieties being reactive against the plurality of different target proteins;   (b) contacting the biological sample with a membrane having a second plurality of different capture moieties bound thereto, the second plurality of different capture moieties being reactive against the plurality of different target proteins;   (c) contacting the membrane with a plurality of different detection moieties, the plurality of different detection moieties being reactive against the plurality of different capture moieties; and   (d) detecting the plurality of different target proteins;   wherein at least one step of the method is performed under positive pressure or a vacuum.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein steps (a), (b) and (c) are performed under positive pressure or a vacuum. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the biological sample is a paraffin-embedded sample. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the membrane is a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane.