Multiplex suspension assay/array using lifetime coding

A system device and/or method for multiplex assays. In a particular but non limiting example there is provided a multiplex array such as a suspension array. Luminescence decay lifetimes are utilised for probes in a suspension array and coding/decoding the codes from time resolved spectra. Lifetime populations can be generated at distinct colour bands. A novel temporal technique or dimension is applied over conventional spectral and intensity combinations thereby expanding the multiplexing capacity of a suspension array. In one example form the multiplexing capacity of a suspension array can be expanded to the order of about 5. This provides a reliable high throughput and relatively inexpensive solution for multiplex assays in various areas of application such as life sciences data storage and security.