Optical emission biosensing using magnetic beads with a fast aggregation time

An assay method for target molecules in a sample using optical emission from magnetic beads, comprising:a) preparing the magnetic beads so, if excited, they produce optical emission as a consequence of contact between the beads, reporter molecules and target molecules in the sample;b) providing the prepared magnetic beads in a solution in a container, with one or more magnets producing a magnetic field inside the container that causes the beads to aggregate into a clump inside the container in less than 30 seconds;c) exciting the optical emission from the magnetic beads in the clump; andd) measuring the optical emission from the magnetic beads in the clump.