Biotechnology: New Bead-based Multiplexing Assays Measure Multiple Analytes Per Sample

Beckman Coulter, Inc. introduces FlowCytomix Bead-Based Multiplexing Assays, for the simultaneous detection of multiple cytokines and other analytes in drug and clinical research. Based on a sandwich immunoassay, FlowCytomix kits use the same principles as ELISAs, yet deliver up to 10 analytes per well. The kits can be run on any flow cytometer with 488 nm excitation, including Beckman Coulter's automated FC 500 Series, EPICS XL? Series and Quanta? systems, all of which have the flexibility to process both bead- and cell-based assays.

The FlowCytomix Multiplex kits are pre-packaged panels of analytes that address specific areas of research including immune response and cardiovascular assessment. Simplex kits are also available for the detection of one specific analyte and can be combined to provide a high degree of testing flexibility. 32 different kits are currently available including 10-plex kits for the quantitative measurement of Th1/Th2 Cytokines, in the study of immune response.

The new FlowCytomix assay line is based on a partnership between Beckman Coulter and Bender MedSystems. The assays deliver high sensitivity across a broad range of responses and the FlowCytomix Pro software provides comprehensive analysis and reporting tools and choice of output formats.