of the binding elements the invention is directed toward the detection of components in a sample mixture or detection of compounds on an array by a synthesizing of binding compounds onto rod shaped array elements using a randomized method b marking the identification of each rod at each synthesis step by spin coating with paint c forming a bundle of the rod elements and securing with a sheath material the invention is directed toward the detection of components in a sample mixture or detection of compounds on an array by b forming a bundle of the rod elements and securing with a sheath material so that rod elements treated with a given binding agent are grouped to create a graphic symbol s surrounded by rod elements with different or substantially no affinity for components in the test sample c cutting individual arrays from the bundle and fixing or placing one side of the array to an absorbent pad d applying a mixture of sample and label to the surface of an array allowing the mixture to flow through the porous rod elements of the array into the absorbent pad and form attachments between the label analyte and immobilized binding agent as in a u201c sandwich assay u201d format e.