What is a Luminex Assay? Multiplex Assays: R&D Systems

A Luminex assay is a type of immunoassay that precisely measures multiple analytes in one sample. The Luminex® xMAP® technology is a bead-based immunoassay that allows for multiplex detection of up to 100 analytes simultaneously. Color-coded microspheres, or beads, are internally dyed with different proportions of red and infrared fluorophores that correspond to a distinct spectral signature, or bead region. The quantification of multiple cytokines and other biomarkers in a sample provides critical information about biological processes and diseases.

Antibodies specific to a desired analyte are coupled to a unique bead region and are incubated with sample. After washing away unbound materials, samples are incubated with a mixture of biotinylated detection antibodies and a streptavidin-phycoerythrin (PE) reporter. Using a Luminex instrument, beads are excited by one laser to determine the bead region and corresponding assigned analyte. Another laser determines the magnitude of the PE-derived signal, which is proportional to the amount of analyte bound. Multiple readings are taken at each bead region, ensuring robust detection.

Luminex Assay Principle

Multiplex Luminex Assay Principle

Luminex^® assays use a set of fluorescent beads where each bead falls in a unique spot on the fluorescent spectrum. The beads are coated with capture antibody targeted to the analyte of interest. See full Luminex Assay Principle.

Benefits of Multiplexing with a Luminex Assay

Small Sample Volume - Conserves sample by measuring multiple analytes in a single well with less than 25 uL of sample.
Save Time and Money. Save resources when compared to running multiple single-analyte ELISAs.
Flexibility – Build panels to fit your research needs.
Low Variability - Minimizes experimental variability with multiple data points derived from a single experiment.

Benefits of R&D Systems Luminex Assays

Selection - Flexibility of panels and formats available.
Experience - High Performance Luminex Assays are correlated to the gold standard Quantikine ELISA.
Availability - Fast delivery times.
Superior Quality Control - Assays undergo multiple quality control steps during production ensuring long-term reproducibility and consistency.
Specific - Assays for each target analyte are screened against all target analytes to confirm low antibody cross-reactivity.
Validation - High performance panels are extensively validated for optimal performance.
Versatile - Antibody pairs are tested to confirm parallel detection of natural and recombinant proteins.
Custom Services – Expert custom team available to help meet your unique needs.