The invention relates to a method for detecting particles (104) in a sample (102). The method has a step of reading a measurement signal (115) which represents at least one detected property of a magnetic field that extends from an interface (110) to at least one magnetic field sensor (130) at least through a sub-quantity of the sample (102). In the process, the sample (102) is provided with magnetic detection particles (106) which are designed to bond with the particles (104) to be detected. The method also has a step of ascertaining a fluctuation strength, which depends on the detection particles (106), of the at least one property of the magnetic field and a step of determining a bonding state of at least one detection particle (106) as unbonded or bonded to a particle (104) to be detected on the basis of the ascertained fluctuation strength in order to detect the particles (104) in the sample (102).
