Technique

The xMAP (Multi Analyt Profiling)–technology developed by Luminex is an innovative test platform offering a wide range of applications. It allows the simultaneous detection of up to 100 parameters within a single test run, saving the user time and sample material. The technology is based on microscopic polystyrene beads. Due to specific fluorescent colour codes, 100 bead populations are distinguishable with absolute accuracy. Any capture reagent can be covalently coupled to any of these bead populations. The detection reaction of target molecules, e.g. cytokines, takes place on these beads. The Luminex-system, which is similar to a flow cytometer, is used to quantify signals. This highly sensitive and specific test combines the advantages of ELISA and Western Blot technologies, while at the same time the application of the test is robust and simple.