Systems for improving the dynamic range of biological assays

A system for performing a biological assay comprising:

• a plurality of first discrete test sites;
• a sensor for obtaining at least a first signal from each of the plurality of discrete test sites;
• and
• encoded instructions for performing a first biological assay directed to a first analyte on a sample using the plurality of first discrete test sites, wherein the first biological assay provides a change in the first signal indicative of the presence of the first analyte, comprising:
• deriving a plurality of quantities for the first signal, wherein each of the plurality of quantities is associated with the first signal observed from an individual first discrete test sites of a first population of the first discrete test sites;
• determining, using at least a portion of the plurality of quantities, a first proportion, wherein the first proportion comprises an enumeration of the first discrete test sites indicating the presence of the analyte;
• calculating a statistical distribution of the plurality of quantities derived from the first discrete test sites to derive a statistical value for the first signal;
• and
• quantifying the mass of the first analyte in the sample using the first proportion when the first proportion falls within a first cutoff range of values for the first proportion, and using the statistical value of the first signal when the first proportion falls outside of the first cutoff range of values for the first proportion.