A rapid, efficient and convenient method to detect one or more biological
entities on a blotting membrane is provided. The detection can relate to
the position, nature or amount of the biological substance on one or more
membranes. The invention method involves a pressure assisted regiment
(such as vacuum or positive gas pressure) for the supply and removal of
reagents and permits washing of the contaminants from substances embedded
in the membrane to be detected using very low volumes of liquid. This
method enables completion of the blocking, washing and antibody binding
steps in about 30 minutes without comprising blot quality. In another
aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting
the method of the invention. The device is comprised of several layers
including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow
distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and a well on the flow
distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for
lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor
is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a
0.22 micron membrane.