A fluorescent microsphere-based method for assay of multiple analytes in plasma

Abstract

Measurement of multiple analytes can provide increased sensitivity and specificity for the detection and management of disease. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is currently the "gold standard" for protein quantification; however, individual assays for each analyte must be performed, placing demand on sample volume. On the contrary, multiplex assays using microsphere-based technologies allow for multiple analytes to be simultaneously assayed within a single sample. Here, we present a protocol for the preparation and development of a multiple-analyte assay in human plasma using the BioPlex 200 platform (Bio-Rad), which incorporates xMAP technology (Luminex). © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.