A method is disclosed for analyzing a biological sample by antibody
profiling for identifying forensic samples or for detecting the presence
of an analyte. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the
analyte is a drug, such as marijuana, Cocaine (crystalline tropane
alkaloid), methamphetamine, methyltestosterone, or mesterolone. The
method involves attaching antigens of the surface of a solid support in a
preselected pattern to form an array wherein the locations of the
antigens are known; contacting the array with the biological sample such
that a portion of antibodies in the sample reacts with and binds to
antigens in the array, thereby forming immune complexes; washing away
antibodies that do not form immune complexes; and detecting the immune
complexes, thereby forming an antibody profile. Forensic samples are
identified by comparing a sample from an unknown source with a sample
from a known source. Further, an assay, such as a test for illegal drug
use, can be coupled to a test for identity such that the results of the
assay can be positively correlated to a subject's identity.