A subject material in a fluid sample is detected using a resonating sensor immersible in the fluid sample. Binding
kinetics of an interaction of an
analyte material present in the fluid sample are measured with the resonating sensor, which has binding sites for the
analyte material. Prior to exposing the resonating sensor to the fluid sample, operation of the resonating sensor is initiated, producing a sensor output
signal representing a
resonance characteristic of the resonating sensor. Optionally, a reference
resonator that lacks binding sites for the
analyte is used to produce a reference output
signal. Introduction of a fluid sample to the resonating sensor is automatically detected based on a characteristic change in the sensor output
signal or a reference output signal. In response to the detecting of the introduction of the fluid sample, automated measurement of the binding
kinetics are measured.