Multiplexing
Definition:
It is a laboratory technique that enables the simultaneous detection and measurement of Antigens
and Antibodies in a single patient’s sample (serum or plasma).
Principle:
In multiplex serological assays, different Antigens or Antibodies are attached to distinct
solid supports, such as fluorescent beads, micro array spots or separate reaction zones.
When a patient’s serum is added, specific Antibody binds to their corresponding Antigen.
Reactions are then detected using enzyme labels or fluorescent signals, allowing multiple
results to be obtained at a single time.
Types of Multiplex Serological Assays:
1. Bead based Multiplex assay
2. Protein Microarrays
3. Lateral Flow Multiplex assays
Bead based multiplex assay
This use microscopic, color coded beads floating in a suspension or liquid.
Each bead is coated with a specific Antigen.
Best for testing 10- 100 different.
Protein microarrays
Use a flat surface, like a glass slide or a plastic plate.
Antigens are printed in tiny, invisible dots at a specific spot on the slide.
They are best for detection of thousands of different proteins at once.
Lateral flow multiplex assays
Paper based strips, similar to a pregnancy test but with multiple lines.
Sample flows across the strip that has several test lines printed on it.
Used for quick “on the spot testing” or Point of Care Testing, when no access to
laboratory or electricity.
General Procedure for Multiplexing:
Patient’s serum is added to the multiplex platform
