10-Plex · AT(N) Coverage

25 µL Sample

MSD Alzheimer's Disease Research 10-Plex Panel

A comprehensive multiplex panel covering all three dimensions of the AT(N) research framework — Amyloid (Aβ40, Aβ42), Tau (p-Tau181, p-Tau217, p-Tau231, total Tau), and Neurodegeneration (NfL, GFAP) — plus exploratory markers, all from a single 25 µL sample well.

The AT(N) research framework defines three core biomarker categories for Alzheimer's disease: "A" (amyloid pathology), "T" (Tau pathology), and "N" (neurodegeneration). This 10-plex panel delivers all three dimensions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate assay runs. By measuring every analyte in the same well, the panel eliminates cross-assay variability and provides internally consistent biomarker profiles — ideal for longitudinal cohort studies, therapeutic trials requiring comprehensive biomarker panels, and multi-modal AD research programs.

Inquire About the AD 10-Plex Panel View Panel Composition

The AT(N) Research Framework — Why Multi-Analyte Profiling Matters

The AT(N) framework, developed by the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) research community, organizes Alzheimer's disease biomarkers into three pathophysiological categories. No single analyte adequately captures the complexity of AD pathology — amyloid deposition, Tau tangle formation, and neurodegeneration each contribute distinct information about disease stage, progression rate, and therapeutic target engagement.

 AT(N) Biomarker Categories Covered by This Panel
"A" — Amyloid Pathology: Aβ40 and Aβ42, with the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio reflecting cerebral amyloid deposition (concordant with amyloid PET).
"T" — Tau Pathology: p-Tau181, p-Tau217, p-Tau231, and total Tau — covering multiple phospho-epitopes with distinct temporal trajectories across the AD continuum.
"N" — Neurodegeneration: NfL (neurofilament light, axonal injury) and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein, astrocyte reactivity/neuroinflammation).
Exploratory Markers: Additional analytes providing complementary information on synaptic function, neuroinflammation, and vascular contributions.

Research Applications

Therapeutic trials — comprehensive pharmacodynamic biomarker panel for amyloid-targeting, Tau-targeting, and multi-modal investigational therapies in a single assay run.
Longitudinal observational cohorts — track AT(N) biomarker trajectories across the AD continuum from preclinical to symptomatic stages, with internally consistent data from a single platform.
Cohort enrichment — multi-marker screening strategy to identify research participants with specific biomarker profiles (e.g., A+T+N+ vs. A−T−N−) for interventional studies.
Disease staging research — investigate transitions between AT(N) biomarker categories as predictors of cognitive decline and disease progression.
Differential research profiling — distinguish Alzheimer's pathology from other neurodegenerative conditions using multi-analyte patterns rather than single-marker cutoffs.

Panel Composition — 10 Analytes Across the AT(N) Spectrum

Each analyte is measured simultaneously in a single 25 µL sample well using spatially separated capture antibodies on the MSD MULTI-ARRAY electrode surface.

#	Analyte	AT(N) Category	Biological Context	Research Relevance in AD	Detection Range
1	Aβ40	A	Amyloid-beta peptide (40 aa)	Reference peptide for Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio; most abundant Aβ isoform in CSF and plasma	pg/mL–ng/mL
2	Aβ42	A	Amyloid-beta peptide (42 aa)	Primary component of amyloid plaques; decreases in CSF with cerebral amyloid deposition	pg/mL–ng/mL
3	p-Tau181	T	Phosphorylated Tau (Thr181)	Most established plasma p-Tau isoform; elevated in AD vs. controls; extensive published literature	pg/mL
4	p-Tau217	T	Phosphorylated Tau (Thr217)	Strongest fold-change between Aβ+ and Aβ− groups; early elevation in AD continuum	fg/mL–pg/mL
5	p-Tau231	T	Phosphorylated Tau (Thr231)	Early-stage marker; elevated at Braak stage I–II; complementary to p-Tau217 and p-Tau181	pg/mL
6	Total Tau	T	Total Tau protein (all isoforms)	Marker of Tau release and neuronal injury; provides denominator for p-Tau/t-Tau ratios	pg/mL–ng/mL
7	NfL	N	Neurofilament light chain	Marker of axonal injury; elevated across neurodegenerative conditions; prognostic value	pg/mL
8	GFAP	N	Glial fibrillary acidic protein	Astrocyte reactivity marker; elevated early in AD; associated with Aβ pathology	pg/mL
9	α-Synuclein	Exploratory	Presynaptic protein; Lewy body component	Co-pathology marker; AD + Lewy body co-pathology is common in aging populations	pg/mL
10	VILIP-1	Exploratory	Visinin-like protein 1	Neuronal calcium sensor protein; candidate CSF and blood marker of neurodegeneration	pg/mL

Panel composition may be customized via U-PLEX to add, remove, or substitute analytes. Contact us to design a panel tailored to your specific research objectives.

Amyloid ("A")

Aβ40 and Aβ42 measured simultaneously in the same well for internal ratio normalization. V-PLEX pre-configured reagents with lot-to-lot consistency for longitudinal studies.

Tau ("T")

Four Tau analytes covering multiple phospho-epitopes and total Tau — enabling differential analysis of Tau phosphorylation patterns across the AD continuum.

Neurodegeneration ("N")

NfL + GFAP + exploratory markers provide complementary information on axonal injury, astrocyte reactivity, and synaptic function beyond what any single marker can reveal.

Assay Performance — Quality Metrics

Representative performance data for the AD Research 10-Plex Panel.

<10% CV

Intra-Plate Precision
Across all 10 analytes, 3 QC levels

<15% CV

Inter-Plate Precision
Day-to-day reproducibility

4–5 logs

Dynamic Range
Per analyte; ECL advantage

Standard Curves

10 independent 8-point calibration curves per plate with R² ≥ 0.99 for each analyte. Multi-analyte calibrator blend. Lot-specific calibrator values provided.

Cross-Reactivity Control

Each antibody pair screened against all other panel analytes at 100× expected concentration. Cross-reactivity <0.5% for all pairwise combinations.

Spike Recovery

80–120% recovery for each analyte spiked at low, medium, and high concentrations into CSF and plasma matrices. Matrix-specific recovery data available.

How MSD Multiplex Powers the 10-Plex

Why electrochemiluminescence is uniquely suited for multi-analyte AD biomarker panels.

Analytical Requirements for AD Biomarker Multiplexing

Alzheimer's disease biomarkers span an extraordinary concentration range — from fg/mL (plasma p-Tau217) to ng/mL (CSF total Tau, Aβ40). Conventional multiplex platforms that rely on fluorescent beads exhibit limited dynamic range (~2–3 logs per analyte), requiring sample dilution compromises that favor high-abundance analytes at the expense of low-abundance ones. Enzyme-based detection introduces additional variability through substrate depletion, edge effects, and lot-to-lot inconsistencies — all of which compound when measuring 10 analytes simultaneously.

ECL Multiplex Detection Advantages

1. Spatially Separated Electrodes

Each of the 10 analytes is measured on a discrete spot within the same well — no bead spectral overlap, no gating compensation. Spots are electrically addressed sequentially, producing 10 independent signals from one sample addition.

2. 4–5 Log Dynamic Range per Spot

ECL's wide dynamic range accommodates fg/mL to ng/mL concentrations without dilution adjustment — all 10 analytes measured simultaneously under the same conditions.

3. SULFO-TAG Stability

Non-enzymatic labels are chemically stable and emit light only upon electrical stimulation — no substrate timing artifacts, no photo-bleaching, and no autofluorescence interference from plasma or CSF matrices.

4. Pre-Configured V-PLEX Format

Manufacturer-pre-coated plates with lot-controlled reagents eliminate coating variability. Each lot is qualified against reference standards, ensuring longitudinal consistency across study timepoints.

AD 10-Plex Panel Specifications

TechnologyMSD V-PLEX

Plex Level10 analytes per well

Sample Volume25 µL per well

Plate Format96-well MULTI-ARRAY

Read Time~70 seconds/plate

Dynamic Range4–5 logs per analyte

CalibratorMulti-analyte blend, 8 points

Precision (Intra)<10% CV across panel

Precision (Inter)<15% CV across panel

Cross-Reactivity<0.5% pairwise

Recommended MatrixCSF, EDTA Plasma

CustomizationU-PLEX: add/swap analytes

Multiplex vs. Single-Plex: When to Choose Which

Sample Efficiency 10-Plex

Data Consistency 10-Plex

Cost per Analyte 10-Plex

Ultra Sensitivity (fg/mL) S-PLEX Single

Custom Analyte Selection U-PLEX

The 10-plex is ideal for comprehensive AT(N) profiling. For maximum sensitivity on a single ultra-low-abundance analyte (e.g., plasma p-Tau217 at fg/mL), consider a dedicated S-PLEX single-plex assay. For custom combinations not covered by this panel, U-PLEX offers flexible configuration.

AD 10-Plex Panel Service Details

Service package, sample requirements, and deliverables.

Service Package

Item	Full Service	Kit Only
Sample Processing	Included	— Self-run
10-Point Standard Curve	8-point, all 10 analytes, each plate	Reagents provided
QC Samples	3 levels, duplicate	— User-prepared
Multi-Analyte Data Report	Full 10-plex quantitative report	— Self-analysis
Ratio Calculations	Aβ42/Aβ40, p-Tau/t-Tau ratios	— Self-analysis
Raw Data	Included	— Instrument-dependent

For Research Use Only. Not for diagnostic procedures.

Sample Submission Requirements

Preferred MatrixCSF, EDTA Plasma

AcceptableSerum (consultation required)

Typical Sample Volume50–200 µL per aliquot. Minimum 25 µL per well. Volume-constrained samples (e.g., pediatric CSF) — contact us for micro-volume protocols.

Collection (CSF)Polypropylene tube → 2,000×g/10 min/4°C → aliquot into polypropylene cryovials → −80°C

Collection (Plasma)EDTA tube → 1,500×g/10 min/4°C → aliquot → −80°C

Critical NoteUse polypropylene (not polystyrene) collection and storage tubes — several panel analytes (particularly Aβ42) adsorb to polystyrene, potentially biasing results.

ShippingDry ice, overnight courier

DocumentationSample manifest form (provided)

How to Get Started

Consult

Tell us about your AD research program — cohort characteristics, longitudinal design, analytes of primary interest. We'll confirm panel suitability and discuss customization options.

Ship

Send your samples on dry ice following our pre-analytical guidelines. We provide collection kits, tube-type recommendations, and international shipping support.

Receive Data

Receive your comprehensive 10-plex data package — quantitative report with AT(N) ratios, QC metrics, and methods formatted for AD multi-analyte research publications.

Running a multi-site trial? Ask about our longitudinal consistency program — reagent lot reservation, bridging studies across lot changes, and harmonized SOPs across collection sites.

AD Multi-Analyte Profiling: MSD vs Other Platforms

Platform comparison for multiplex Alzheimer's disease biomarker research.

Feature	MSD V-PLEX 10-Plex	Simoa (Quanterix)	Luminex xMAP	LC-MS/MS
Max Plex Level	10-plex	Up to 4-plex	Up to 50-plex	Targeted panels
Dynamic Range	4–5 logs per analyte	4 logs	2–3 logs	3–4 logs
Sensitivity	fg/mL–pg/mL	fg/mL (single-plex)	pg/mL	pg/mL–ng/mL
Sample Volume	25 µL	~100 µL	25–50 µL	250–500 µL
Cross-Reactivity	Minimal (spatial separation)	Low (separate wells)	Moderate (spectral overlap)	None (chromatographic separation)
Pre-Configured AD Panel	Yes (V-PLEX)	Partial	Partial	Custom only
Throughput	96-well / ~70 sec read	~60 samples/hr	96-well batch	Low (~20/day)
Best Research Fit	Comprehensive AT(N) cohort studies & trials	Single ultra-low markers (p-Tau217)	Large plex, moderate sensitivity	Reference method, isoform specificity

The MSD 10-plex AD panel is optimized for simultaneous AT(N) profiling. For maximum sensitivity on individual ultra-low-abundance analytes, complement this panel with dedicated S-PLEX single-plex assays.

What You Receive

Comprehensive quantitative report — concentration for all 10 analytes + Aβ42/Aβ40 and p-Tau/t-Tau ratios, QC metrics, standard curve parameters (Excel + PDF)
Raw ECL data — per-well, per-spot signal values, plate maps, 10-plex curve plots
AT(N) summary table — biomarker profiles organized by AT(N) category with reference range context
Methods summary — formatted for direct inclusion in AD multi-marker research manuscript Methods
QC documentation — intra/inter-plate CV per analyte, spike recovery, cross-reactivity data
Consultation — post-delivery call covering AT(N) profile interpretation and multi-analyte data integration

Why Our Clients Choose Us

Single-well AT(N) coverage — 10 analytes spanning amyloid (Aβ40, Aβ42), Tau (p-Tau181, p-Tau217, p-Tau231, total Tau), and neurodegeneration (NfL, GFAP) measured from one 25 µL sample — no other platform delivers all three biomarker categories in a single well
ECL spatial separation — no spectral overlap — each analyte occupies a discrete electrode spot addressed electrically in sequence; unlike bead-based multiplexing, there is zero spectral cross-talk regardless of plex density
V-PLEX lot-controlled reagents — manufacturer-pre-coated plates with documented lot-to-lot bridging data, enabling multi-year longitudinal AD cohort studies without recalibration gaps at reagent transitions
Wide intra-panel dynamic range — fg/mL p-Tau217 and ng/mL total Tau quantified in the same well under identical conditions, thanks to ECL's 4–5 log dynamic range per analyte
70-second plate readout — all 10 analytes acquired simultaneously in a single electrical read cycle, enabling high-throughput cohort processing without the sequential reading delays of single-molecule counting platforms

Supporting Publications

Published research supporting multi-analyte biomarker profiling in Alzheimer's disease.

Jack CR Jr, Bennett DA, Blennow K, et al. (2018) Alzheimer's & Dementia. 14(4):535–562. "NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer's disease." DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.018 · PMID: 29653606

Palmqvist S, Janelidze S, Quiroz YT, et al. (2020) JAMA. 324(8):772–781. "Discriminative Accuracy of Plasma Phospho-tau217 for Alzheimer Disease vs Other Neurodegenerative Disorders." DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.12134 · PMID: 32722745

Schindler SE, Bollinger JG, Ovod V, et al. (2019) Neurology. 93(17):e1647–e1659. "High-precision plasma β-amyloid 42/40 predicts current and future brain amyloidosis." DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008081 · PMID: 31371569

Janelidze S, Mattsson N, Palmqvist S, et al. (2020) Nature Medicine. 26(3):379–386. "Plasma P-tau181 in Alzheimer's disease: relationship to other biomarkers, differential diagnosis, neuropathology and longitudinal progression to Alzheimer's dementia." DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0755-1 · PMID: 32123385

Ashton NJ, Janelidze S, Al Khleifat A, et al. (2021) eLife. 10:e67349. "A multicentre validation study of the diagnostic value of plasma neurofilament light." DOI: 10.7554/eLife.67349 · PMID: 33955355

Teunissen CE, Verberk IMW, Thijssen EH, et al. (2022) The Lancet Neurology. 21(1):66–77. "Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: towards clinical implementation." DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00361-6 · PMID: 34838229

References provided for informational and scientific context. For Research Use Only.

AD 10-Plex Panel FAQ

Is this panel validated for clinical diagnostic use?

No. This AD Research 10-Plex Panel is validated for research use only (RUO). It is suitable for preclinical studies, cohort research, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development applications. It is not validated for clinical diagnostic procedures, patient management decisions, or as a standalone screening tool in a clinical setting. All data is reported with the explicit disclaimer that it should not be used as the sole basis for clinical decision-making.

What is the advantage of measuring all 10 analytes in a single well vs. running separate assays?

Within-well multiplexing eliminates several sources of variability that compound when running separate assays: (1) No cross-assay variability — all analytes share the same sample aliquot, incubation conditions, and read cycle; (2) Sample efficiency — 25 µL total vs. 250+ µL for 10 separate assays; (3) Internal ratio consistency — Aβ42/Aβ40 and p-Tau/t-Tau ratios are computed from signals generated in the same well, eliminating well-to-well variation; (4) Time and cost efficiency — one assay run instead of ten. For studies measuring multiple AD biomarkers, the 10-plex delivers more internally consistent data with substantially less sample consumption.

Can I customize the panel — add or remove analytes?

Yes. Through MSD's U-PLEX custom platform, you can start with this 10-plex configuration and add, remove, or substitute individual analytes. Common customizations include: adding additional p-Tau isoforms (e.g., p-Tau205), replacing exploratory markers with study-specific targets, or reducing the panel to a focused 6-plex for sample-volume-constrained studies. Contact us to discuss your configuration — we'll confirm feasibility and help optimize the panel for your research objectives.

For maximum sensitivity on p-Tau217, should I use this 10-plex or a dedicated S-PLEX single-plex?

It depends on your research priority. The V-PLEX 10-plex provides pg/mL sensitivity for p-Tau217 — sufficient for most CSF and many plasma applications. If your study specifically requires fg/mL-level sensitivity for plasma p-Tau217 (e.g., detecting very low levels in preclinical AD or early-stage participants), a dedicated S-PLEX single-plex assay delivers approximately 10× greater sensitivity. A common strategy is to use the 10-plex for comprehensive profiling and complement it with S-PLEX single-plex for critical ultra-low-abundance targets. We can help you determine the optimal approach during study design.

What documentation do you provide for data integrity in multi-site trials?

We provide comprehensive documentation supporting multi-site data integrity: (1) full analytical report with per-analyte standard curve parameters, QC performance, and precision metrics; (2) reagent lot certificates and bridging data when lot changes occur during longitudinal studies; (3) sample chain-of-custody log from receipt through analysis; (4) instrument maintenance and calibration records; (5) detailed methods section suitable for manuscript preparation. For multi-site studies, we can also provide harmonized sample collection SOPs for distribution to your collection sites. All services are provided under a research-use-only framework.

How should I prepare and ship samples for the 10-plex panel?

Collect CSF or blood per the recommended protocol → centrifuge at specified conditions → transfer to polypropylene cryovials (critical — avoid polystyrene for any Aβ-containing panel) → freeze immediately at −80°C → ship on dry ice via overnight courier. Include a completed sample manifest form. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Contact us for a detailed sample collection and shipping guide, including tube-type recommendations and minimum volume calculations for your specific panel configuration.

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