Sensor device for magnetically actuated particles

A sensor device for the detection of magnetic particles in a sample chamber with a contact surface at which magnetic particles can collect, comprising:

• a) a sensor unit for detecting magnetic particles in a target region on the contact surface and/or in at least one reference region on the contact surface;
• b) a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field that guides magnetic particles to the contact surface;
• and
• c) an evaluation unit for determining from the detection signals of the sensor unit an auxiliary parameter that is related to the magnetic particles and/or their movement but that is independent of binding processes taking place in the target region between magnetic particles and the contact surface;
• wherein:
• there are at least two reference regions disposed at different sides of the target region, and
• the detection signals obtained from these reference regions are individually evaluated with respect to a possible clustering of magnetic particles.

A sensor device for the detection of magnetic particles in a sample chamber with a contact surface at which magnetic particles can collect, comprising:

• a) a sensor unit for detecting magnetic particles in a target region on the contact surface and/or in at least one reference region on the contact surface;
• b) a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field that guides magnetic particles to the contact surface;
• and
• c) an evaluation unit for determining from the detection signals of the sensor unit an auxiliary parameter that is related to the magnetic particles and/or their movement but that is independent of binding processes taking place in the target region between magnetic particles and the contact surface;
• wherein:
• at least one reference region is disposed outside the target region, and
• at least one reference region overlaps with the target region.