This application claims a method for detecting biologically active substances, comprising the following steps a) providing a support carrying substances to be tested b) providing a suspension containing luminescent microorganisms, c) coating the support with the suspension of microorganisms, d) detecting the biologically active substances on the support by detecting the change in luminescence of the suspension of microorganisms, and e) stimulating the luminescence of the microorganisms before or during detection, and/or f) extending the period of luminescence of the microorganisms by employing substances for regulating and extending the period of luminescence of the microorganisms.