Multi-optical detection system

A method for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample, employing a detection system comprising a polymerized polyunsaturated lipid oriented crystalline layer having extended conjugated aliphatic unsaturation and groups proximal to one surface of said layer, wherein said groups are one member of a specific binding pair and said analyte is a member of said specific binding pair, wherein said surface has a sample region and a control region, wherein a value is obtained for at least one of the intensity, orientation and amplitude of light emanating from said regions of said polyunsaturated lipid layer surface, said method comprising:

• contacting said sample region of said lipid layer surface with said sample in a liquid assay medium, and contacting said control region of said lipid layer with said liquid assay medium, and contacting both said regions with any additional reagents required to change the optical characteristics of said layer in relation to the presence of said analyte;
• substantially drying each of said regions;
• irradiating said regions with collimated light;
• determining a sample and control value of at least one of the intensity, orientation and amplitude of light emanating from said regions;
• and
• comparing the difference in values from said sample region of said polyunsaturated lipid layer surface before said contacting and after said drying, with the difference in values from said control region of said polyunsaturated lipid layer surface before said contacting and after said drying, as a determination of the presence of said analyte in said sample.