Apparatus for detecting an analyte using a fluid having magnetic particles with a binding ligand for binding the analyte, which apparatus comprises: (i) a compartment (1); (ii) an inlet port (6) for allowing the analyte in the fluid to enter the compartment (1); (iii) a wall in the compartment (1) with at least of the part of the wall being optically transparent; and (v) a first magnet which is positioned outside of the compartment (1), and which is for transporting and positioning the magnetic particles (2) with the binding agent and the analyte to an imaging plane where the particles are able to be illuminated for the detection of the analyte. A method for detecting the analyte is also described.
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