Luminex multiplex technology allows 25-50 μL samples (plasma, serum, cell culture supernatants, and other body fluids) to be completed for the analysis of a wider range of biomarkers. Proper sample collection and organization is a critical step for successful experiments. Common types of samples that can be tested today are cell supernatants, serum, and plasma. Although other biological samples have not been validated, theoretically bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), saliva, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), tissue homogenates and urine are also available.
The following are several common methods of collecting and preserving samples:
Serum samples
Whole blood coagulation at room temperature (20-25 °C) for 20-30 min
1,000 x g at room temperature for 10 min
Collection of supernatant, or optionally using a serum separator
If sample is hyperlipidemic, centrifuge at 2-8° 10,000 x g for 10 min to separate out the lower serum layer
Fresh serum samples are required for multiplex assays. Dispense below -20 °C to avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Plasma samples
Choose citric acid or EDTA as anticoagulant as required. If heparin is chosen as the anticoagulant, it is recommended that no more than 10 IU of heparin per ml of blood be used. Excessive dosage of heparin may result in high values for some of the assay indicators.
Within 30 min after collecting anticoagulated whole blood, centrifuge at 10,000 x g for 10 min at 4°C to separate and collect plasma.
If the sample is hyperlipidemic, centrifuge at 10,000 x g for 10 min at 2-8° to separate the lower plasma layer.
Fresh plasma samples are required for multiplex testing. Dispense below -20 °C to avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Cell culture supernatant samples
When detecting secretory components, it is best to use sterile tubes for collection. Centrifuge for about 20 minutes (2000-3000 rpm). Collect the supernatant carefully.
Tissue samples
Specimens are rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen for storage after collection. The specimen remains at a temperature of 2-8°C after thawing. Add an amount of buffer containing protease inhibitor and homogenize the specimens by hand or with a homogenizer. Centrifuge for about 20 minutes (2000-3000 rpm). Carefully collect the supernatant.
If precipitate is present during storage, the sample should be centrifuged again to remove the precipitate before the assay. 16,000 x g centrifugation for 5 min is recommended.
Creative Proteomics provides Luminex multiplex assay technology, allowing a selection of over 1200 metrics across 8 species, covering popular research areas such as oncology, immune diseases, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, nephrotoxicity, stem cells, signal transduction pathway studies, and more. We have an experienced team of analysts who can perform basic analysis quickly, as well as customized analysis based on client needs.