This invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising the steps of exposing the sample to a transducer which is capable of transducing a change in energy to an electrical signal, the transducer having at least one tethered reagent on or proximal thereto, the at least one tethered reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte; introducing a labelled reagent into the sample, wherein the labelled reagent contains a binding site for the analyte or the tethered reagent and a label which is capable of absorbing electromagneticradiation generated by a radiation source to generate energy; allowing the labelled reagent to bind to the analyte or tethered reagent in a first period in which the transducer is oriented such that the labelled reagent is caused to settle, at least in part, on the transducer; subsequently, in a second period, causing the labelled reagent to become unsettled; irradiating the sample with electromagnetic radiation during the first and second periods, transducing the energy generated into an electrical signal; detecting the electrical signal. A device for performing the method is also provided.