We describe a multiplex method for the detection of microorganisms within a sample using oligonucleotide-coupled fluorescent beads. Amplicon from all organisms within a sample is hybridized to a panel of probe-coupled beads. A Luminex or Bio-Plex instrument is used to query each bead for bead type and hybridization signal.
Dumonceaux, T. J., Town, J. R., Hill, J. E., Chaban, B. L., Hemmingsen, S. M. Multiplex Detection of Bacteria in Complex Clinical and Environmental Samples using Oligonucleotide-coupled Fluorescent Microspheres. J. Vis. Exp. (56), e3344, doi:10.3791/3344 (2011).