How do I choose between V-PLEX, U-PLEX, and S-PLEX?

V-PLEX for validated, pre-configured panels with full documentation — best for studies requiring auditable data and longitudinal consistency. U-PLEX for custom 2–10 analyte configurations from the catalog — best when your target list doesn't match a single V-PLEX panel. S-PLEX for fg/mL sensitivity on individual low-abundance targets — best when standard sensitivity is insufficient. Many programs use a combination: V-PLEX for core biomarkers, U-PLEX for study-specific targets, and S-PLEX for ultra-low-abundance analytes — all from the same sample, on the same platform.

What is the minimum sample volume required?

25 µL per well, regardless of plex level. A single-plex and a 131-plex both require 25 µL. For multi-panel studies, calculate 25 µL × number of panels. We'll advise on minimum total sample volume during study design based on your panel configuration and replicate strategy.

Are these assays validated for clinical diagnostic use?

No. All MSD assays are manufacturer-validated for research use only (RUO). They are suitable for preclinical studies, cohort research, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development. They are not validated for clinical diagnostic procedures, patient management decisions, or as standalone clinical tools. All data should be interpreted by qualified investigators in the context of the complete research dataset.

Do you offer kit-only options for laboratories with in-house MSD instruments?

Yes. All V-PLEX, U-PLEX, and S-PLEX panels are available as kits for laboratories with access to MESO QuickPlex or SECTOR instruments. Kits include pre-coated plates, multi-analyte calibrator blends, detection antibody cocktails, and lot-specific datasheets. Full-service (sample-to-data) is also available for laboratories without in-house MSD capability.

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Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) · MSD Platform

Preclinical & Clinical Research · Full-Service CRO

MSD Multiplex Biomarker Assay Services — Electrochemiluminescence Platform

340+ pre-configured and custom MSD biomarker panels covering 20 research areas — from fg/mL ultrasensitive S-PLEX to 131-plex immuno-oncology profiling — all powered by electrochemiluminescence detection from a single 25 µL sample per well, across human, mouse, rat, and NHP species.

Biomarker profiling at every stage — preclinical discovery through clinical validation — on one platform with documented lot-to-lot consistency. Our MSD laboratory supports neurodegeneration, cytokine and chemokine networks, metabolic and endocrine hormones, immuno-oncology and immune checkpoint biology, PK/ADA bioanalysis, infectious disease and vaccine serology, preclinical toxicology, vascular injury biomarkers, angiogenic signaling (VEGF, FGF, PlGF), growth factors, kidney injury, cardiovascular biomarkers, macrophage and interferon biology, bone metabolism, reproductive endocrinology, thyroid function, autoantibody profiling, preclinical toxicology, and custom assay development. V-PLEX for validated multiplex panels, U-PLEX for custom configurations, S-PLEX for fg/mL ultrasensitive detection, and R-PLEX for de novo assay development — all from 25 µL per well, on one instrument platform.

340+

Pre-Configured Panels

Research Categories

fg/mL

S-PLEX Sensitivity

25 µL

Sample Per Well

Browse by Category Discuss Your Study

Electrochemiluminescence Multiplex Immunoassay Services

MSD (Meso Scale Discovery) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a multiplex immunoassay platform that uses electrically stimulated light emission from SULFO-TAG labels at the surface of carbon electrode plates. Unlike fluorescence-based multiplexing where overlapping emission spectra require compensation and reduce sensitivity, each MSD analyte occupies a discrete electrode spot within the well, electrically addressed in sequence — producing an independent, cross-talk-free signal regardless of plex level. The result is a platform that delivers ELISA-comparable sensitivity in a multiplex format with a 4–5 log dynamic range, from just 25 µL of sample per well.

Our laboratory operates MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 and MESO SECTOR S 600 instruments and supports the full MSD product line: V-PLEX (manufacturer-pre-validated panels with full per-analyte documentation and lot-to-lot bridging), U-PLEX (custom-configurable panels from 300+ available analytes), S-PLEX (ultrasensitive single-analyte assays for fg/mL detection), and R-PLEX (de novo assay development for targets not in any catalog). Whether your program requires a single validated panel or multi-panel profiling across 20 disease areas, every assay requires 25 µL per well — regardless of whether you measure 1 analyte or 131.

Platform Specifications

DetectionElectrochemiluminescence (SULFO-TAG)

InstrumentsMESO QuickPlex SQ 120 · SECTOR S 600

Sample Volume25 µL per well (any plex level)

Dynamic Range4–5 logs per analyte

Sensitivityfg/mL (S-PLEX); pg/mL (V-PLEX/U-PLEX)

Multiplex CapacityUp to 10 analytes per well

Sample TypesSerum, Plasma, CSF, Cell Supernatant, Tissue Lysate, Urine, BAL Fluid

SpeciesHuman, Mouse, Rat, NHP, Canine

Plate Format96-well MULTI-ARRAY (7–10 spots/well)

Read Time~70 seconds per plate

ThroughputUp to 1,500 samples/day (multi-plate)

Regulatory ContextResearch Use Only (RUO)

Why Choose MSD Electrochemiluminescence for Biomarker Studies?

MSD multiplex immunoassays address the fundamental trade-off between throughput, sensitivity, and sample volume that limits traditional ELISA and fluorescence-based multiplex platforms.

4–5 Log Dynamic Range

Measure biomarkers from fg/mL to µg/mL in a single undiluted sample. Accommodates the full biological concentration range across analytes without serial dilution — eliminating reanalysis of out-of-range samples and reducing pre-analytical variability inherent to platforms with narrower dynamic range.

Background-Free ECL Detection

SULFO-TAG labels emit light only when electrically stimulated at the electrode surface. No excitation light means zero autofluorescence, light scattering, or photo-bleaching. This is critical for low-abundance biomarkers in serum, plasma, and tissue lysate — where fluorescence-based platforms lose sensitivity due to matrix interference.

Spatial Spot Separation — No Cross-Talk

Each analyte occupies a discrete electrode spot, electrically addressed in sequence. No spectral overlap, no compensation algorithms, no signal bleed-through between structurally related analytes. The sensitivity of a 1-plex is preserved at 10-plex, unlike fluorescence platforms where sensitivity degrades as plex count increases.

25 µL for Any Plex Level

A single-plex and a 10-plex both require 25 µL. For preclinical studies, this enables serial sampling from individual animals rather than terminal group comparisons. For clinical research, it preserves precious samples for orthogonal assays. For multi-panel studies, the same 25 µL per panel applies regardless of plex count.

V-PLEX Lot-to-Lot Bridging

Documented reagent continuity across production lots — essential for multi-year preclinical and clinical studies where biomarker data from year 1 must be directly comparable to year 4. Lot-specific datasheets and cross-lot performance data are provided with every V-PLEX panel.

Multi-Species Translational Biomarkers

Human, mouse, rat, and NHP panels on the same platform and detection format. Enables preclinical-to-clinical biomarker bridging without the cross-platform variability that complicates translation when different assay technologies are used for preclinical vs. clinical samples.

MSD Product Lines — Which Panel Format Fits Your Study?

Feature	V-PLEX	U-PLEX	S-PLEX	R-PLEX
Format	Pre-configured multiplex panels	Custom-configurable 2–10 plex	Single-analyte ultrasensitive	De novo assay development
Sensitivity	pg/mL	pg/mL	fg/mL (10–100× > V-PLEX)	Target-dependent
Antibody Pairs	Manufacturer-validated	From qualified catalog	Manufacturer-validated	Custom screening required
Best For	Studies requiring documented, auditable data with lot-to-lot bridging	Study-specific target sets; focused validation of discovery hits	Ultra-low-abundance targets; blood-based neurological biomarkers	Novel targets with no existing MSD reagents
Documentation	Full: sensitivity, precision, linearity, cross-reactivity, lot bridging	Per-analyte datasheets	Full per-analyte documentation	Qualification report per development project
Lead Time	Ready-to-use from stock	Days — linker coupling + QC	Ready-to-use from stock	8–16 weeks (project-dependent)

Many biomarker programs use a combination: V-PLEX for core biomarkers, U-PLEX for study-specific targets, S-PLEX for ultra-low-abundance analytes, and R-PLEX for novel targets — all on the same platform. All services are for research use only.

Biomarker Research Categories — 21 Disease and Biology Areas

Neurodegeneration

51+ panels: p-Tau217, NfL, GFAP, Tau/p-Tau, Aβ40/42, AD 10-Plex, Neuroinflammation 37-Plex, MS 9-Plex. fg/mL S-PLEX for blood-based neuro biomarkers.

Cytokine Profiling

70+ panels: V-PLEX, U-PLEX, S-PLEX, 54-Plex biomarker discovery, Th1/Th2/Th17 immune cell profiling. 4 to 54-plex, 4 species.

Metabolic & Endocrinology

60+ panels: insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, GIP, leptin, C-peptide, PYY, ghrelin. Active vs. total isoforms. Protease inhibitor protocols.

Immuno-Oncology

111/131-Plex: 15+ soluble immune checkpoints (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3, TIGIT), 60+ cytokines, Granzyme B, Perforin, MMPs.

PK & ADA

Pharmacokinetic drug quantification and anti-drug antibody testing. Bridging and sandwich formats. Acid-dissociation for drug-tolerant ADA.

Infectious Disease

14+ panels: viral immune response, vaccine serology (Flu/RSV/poxvirus), cytokine storm, interferon subtyping. Human & NHP.

Chemokine Profiling

8 panels: CXCL & CCL families covering CCR1-CCR6, CXCR3 axes. Cell trafficking and migration. Human, Mouse, NHP.

Vascular Injury

Endothelial activation (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) and vascular inflammation (CRP, SAA). Cardiovascular risk research, drug-induced vascular injury, acute-phase response. 25 µL serum/plasma. Human.

Angiogenesis

VEGF-A/C/D, sVEGFR-1/Flt-1, PlGF, Tie-2, FGF basic. Tumor angiogenesis, anti-VEGF therapy monitoring, preeclampsia research. sFlt-1:PlGF ratio. 25 µL. Human.

Growth Factors

TGF-β1/β2/β3 3-Plex, BDNF, β-NGF, FGF-21. Fibrosis, wound healing, neurotrophin biology. Human, Mouse, NHP.

CAR-T Therapy

CRS cytokines (IL-6, GM-CSF, IFN-γ), immune checkpoints (PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG3, TIGIT), cytotoxic effectors (Granzyme B, Perforin).

Kidney Injury

Multi-site nephrotoxicity: NGAL, KIM-1, Cystatin C, Clusterin, Osteoactivin, Calbindin, TFF3. FDA-recognized biomarkers. Human & Rat.

Cardiovascular

Cardiac troponins (cTnT, cTnI), FABP3, Myl3. Myocardial injury and drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Preclinical rat toxicology.

Macrophage & Interferon

Pre-configured M1/M2 macrophage polarization panels (9-plex + 7-plex) with custom Type I/II/III interferon add-on. Tumor-associated macrophage and myeloid biology research.

Toxicology Multi-Organ

Integrated liver, kidney, cardiac, and skeletal muscle injury panels on one platform. PSTC/FDA-recognized biomarkers. Serial within-animal sampling, 25 µL per panel.

Autoantibody Profiling

Custom U-PLEX panels for autoimmune serology: dsDNA, RF, anti-CCP, Sm/RNP, SSA/SSB, Scl-70, Jo-1. Quantitative AU/mL detection from 25 µL serum.

Liver Injury

ARG1 + GST-α MULTI-SPOT panel. Liver-specific, PSTC/FDA-recognized biomarkers for preclinical DILI assessment. Rat & human. 25 µL.

Bone Metabolism

U-PLEX bone turnover markers: P1NP, CTX-I, RANKL, Osteocalcin, OPG. Formation + resorption balance from a single sample. Osteoporosis and bone metastasis research.

Reproductive Endocrinology

FSH, LH, Estradiol, Testosterone, Progesterone, SHBG, Prolactin, hCG. HPG axis profiling for fertility, PCOS, and menopause research. Custom U-PLEX.

Thyroid Function

TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroglobulin, anti-TPO, anti-Tg. Complete HPT axis profiling with autoimmune markers. Custom U-PLEX.

Custom Assay Development

R-PLEX de novo assay development for novel targets. Antibody screening, SULFO-TAG labeling, ELISA-to-ECL conversion. 8–16 week development timeline.

Quality Control — Data Integrity Across Every Panel

Every MSD assay in our laboratory includes documented QC at the plate, batch, and study level — ensuring that biomarker data is reproducible, auditable, and publication-ready.

Per-Plate QC

8-point standard curve on every plate (4PL logistic fit, R² ≥0.99)
Three-level QC samples (low, medium, high) in duplicate
Blank wells for background subtraction
Intra-plate CV documented per analyte

Longitudinal Study Support

V-PLEX lot-to-lot bridging data for multi-year studies
Inter-plate CV monitoring across batches
Dilution linearity verification for sample matrix
Spiked recovery for accuracy assessment

Data Report Package

Concentrations with per-analyte QC acceptance criteria
Raw ECL signals, plate maps, standard curve parameters
Methods summary formatted for manuscript submission
QC flagging with explanations (not silent removal)

How to Get Started with MSD Multiplex Assay Services

Select Your Panel Configuration

Browse by research category or discuss your analytes of interest. We'll recommend the optimal format — V-PLEX for validated multiplex, U-PLEX for custom configurations, S-PLEX for fg/mL sensitivity, or R-PLEX for novel targets.

Submit Samples with Full Metadata

Ship on dry ice with collection guidelines for your matrix. We provide collection kits and documentation templates for longitudinal and multi-site studies. Pre-treatment and on-treatment timepoint documentation is coordinated during study design.

Receive QC-Documented Biomarker Data

Quantitative report with per-analyte QC metrics, raw data, standard curve documentation, and methods summary. Data delivered in Excel + PDF format, ready for analysis and manuscript inclusion.

Supporting Publications

Baden, L.R. et al. (2021) New England Journal of Medicine. 384(5):403-416. "Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine." DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2035389 · PMID: 33378609 — MSD V-PLEX serology panels used for vaccine-elicited antibody quantification in the pivotal Phase 3 COVE trial.
Pinto, D. et al. (2020) Nature. 583(7815):290-295. "Cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by a human monoclonal SARS-CoV antibody." DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2349-y · PMID: 32422645 — MSD platform used for serological characterization of antiviral antibody responses.
Lucas, C. et al. (2020) Nature. 584(7821):463-469. "Longitudinal analyses reveal immunological misfiring in severe COVID-19." DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2588-y · PMID: 32717743 — MSD multiplex cytokine profiling in longitudinal COVID-19 cohort study.
Corbett, K.S. et al. (2020) New England Journal of Medicine. 383(16):1544-1555. "Evaluation of the mRNA-1273 Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in Nonhuman Primates." DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2024671 · PMID: 32722908 — MSD NHP panels for vaccine immunogenicity assessment in translational infectious disease research.

Full citation lists available on individual category pages. All services are for research use only.

MSD Multiplex Assay Service — Frequently Asked Questions

How do the four MSD product lines differ in sensitivity and use case?

V-PLEX is for validated, pre-configured multiplex panels with full per-analyte documentation (pg/mL sensitivity) — best for longitudinal studies requiring auditable data. U-PLEX enables custom 2–10 analyte configuration from 300+ available targets using linker-coupled antibodies — best for study-specific panels. S-PLEX achieves fg/mL sensitivity via enhanced signal amplification — best for ultra-low-abundance targets like blood-based neurological biomarkers. R-PLEX builds de novo assays for targets not in any catalog, including custom antibody screening and qualification. Many programs combine all four on one platform. For research use only.

What is the minimum sample volume for multi-panel studies?

25 µL per well regardless of plex level — a single-plex S-PLEX and a 10-plex U-PLEX both require 25 µL. For studies requiring multiple panels (e.g., cytokine + metabolic + neurodegeneration), calculate 25 µL × number of panels plus 10 µL dead volume per aliquot. Example: three panels = 3 × 35 µL = 105 µL total. We provide aliquot planning during study design. For research use only.

Can panels from different research categories be run on the same samples?

Yes — all MSD panels, regardless of category, run on the same instrument platform and require 25 µL per well. A single plasma sample can support neurodegeneration, cytokine, and metabolic panels. For multi-panel studies, we calculate total volume needed and coordinate aliquot planning during study design. For research use only.

What quality controls are applied to each assay?

Every MSD assay includes: an 8-point standard curve (4PL logistic fit, R² ≥0.99), three-level QC samples (low, medium, high) in duplicate on each plate, blank wells for background subtraction, and intra-plate CV per analyte. For V-PLEX, lot-to-lot bridging data is provided for longitudinal multi-year studies. QC-flagged values are reported with explanations — never silently removed. Complete documentation is included in every data report. For research use only.

Which species does your MSD platform support?

We offer panels for human, mouse, rat, and non-human primate (cynomolgus and rhesus macaques). Select canine and porcine panels are available via U-PLEX configuration depending on target availability. Species-matched panels use validated antibody pairs optimized for each species' analyte, enabling translational biomarker assessment from preclinical models through clinical samples on the same platform and detection format. Please contact us to confirm panel availability for your species of interest. For research use only.

Can I provide my own antibodies for a custom assay?

Yes — this is the R-PLEX development path. You provide validated capture and detection antibody pairs; our team handles SULFO-TAG conjugation, Biotin labeling, capture antibody spotting optimization on MULTI-ARRAY plates, assay optimization, and fit-for-purpose qualification. This is distinct from U-PLEX (which selects from pre-qualified catalog antibodies) and is best for novel targets where no existing MSD reagents exist. Typical development timeline is 8–16 weeks depending on antibody pair performance. For research use only.

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