MSD V-PLEX · Validated Multiplex

Lot-to-Lot Bridging · Full QC Documentation

MSD V-PLEX Cytokine & Chemokine Panel Services

Pre-configured, manufacturer-validated multiplex immunoassay panels for cytokine, chemokine, and immune mediator quantification — from focused 4-plex inflammation panels to the comprehensive 54-plex biomarker discovery platform, powered by Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) with full analytical documentation for every analyte.

V-PLEX panels arrive ready to use — pre-coated plates, validated antibody pairs, multi-analyte calibrator blends, and lot-specific QC data. Unlike custom-developed or bead-based multiplex assays, each V-PLEX panel includes manufacturer-documented sensitivity, precision, linearity, spike recovery, and cross-reactivity data for every analyte. Lot-to-lot bridging data ensures analytical continuity across study timepoints — a critical requirement for multi-year longitudinal research programs and multi-site clinical trials where reagent transitions must not introduce data discontinuities.

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V-PLEX — The Validated Standard for Multiplex Cytokine Detection

V-PLEX is MSD's flagship product line of pre-configured, manufacturer-validated multiplex panels. Each panel is factory-coated, lot-controlled, and delivered with full analytical performance documentation. Unlike self-assembled or custom-developed multiplex assays — where every new reagent lot introduces unknown performance variables — V-PLEX panels provide documented lot-to-lot consistency, enabling confident data comparison across timepoints, batches, and study sites.

 What "V-PLEX Validated" Means
Per-analyte sensitivity documentation: LOD and LLOQ established for every analyte in the panel, not just representative examples — enabling realistic assessment of which targets are quantifiable in your matrix of interest.
Cross-reactivity screening: Each antibody pair tested against all other panel analytes at physiologically relevant concentrations; cross-reactivity data provided in the panel datasheet.
Matrix validation: Performance verified in serum, plasma, and (for applicable panels) CSF and cell culture supernatant — not just buffer-based calibration.
Lot-to-lot bridging: Each new reagent lot is qualified against the previous lot using a panel of reference samples, with bridging factors documented for longitudinal study continuity.
Precision profiling: Intra-plate and inter-plate CV documented across low, medium, and high QC levels for every analyte.

Research Applications

Longitudinal cohort studies — lot-bridged reagents ensure that cytokine measurements from samples collected and analyzed years apart are analytically comparable, not confounded by reagent drift.
Multi-site clinical trials — pre-configured panels eliminate site-to-site variability in assay setup; identical reagents, protocols, and QC criteria applied across all participating laboratories.
Preclinical-to-clinical translation — species-matched V-PLEX panels (human, mouse, rat, NHP) enable direct biomarker bridging from animal models to human studies on a single analytical platform.
Routine immune monitoring — validated, ready-to-use format minimizes setup time and eliminates the need for in-house assay development and qualification.

Available V-PLEX Cytokine & Chemokine Panels

Pre-configured, lot-validated panels spanning inflammation, cytokine profiling, chemokine detection, and immune cell characterization — across four research species.

Panel	Category	Plex	Analytes	Species	Sensitivity
Inflammation 10-Plex	Core Inflammation	10	IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α	Human	pg/mL
Cytokine 30-Plex	Broad Profiling	30	GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17A, TNF-α, TNF-β, VEGF-A, Eotaxin, Eotaxin-3, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TARC	Human	pg/mL
Cytokine 36-Plex	Extended Profiling	36	GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-27, IL-31, TNF-α, TNF-β, VEGF-A, Eotaxin, Eotaxin-3, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-3α, TARC	Human	pg/mL
Biomarker 54-Plex	Discovery	54	CRP, Eotaxin, Eotaxin-3, FGF (basic), GM-CSF, ICAM-1, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17A, IL-17A/F, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-27, IL-31, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-3α, PlGF, SAA, TARC, Tie-2, TNF-α, TNF-β, TSLP, VCAM-1, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-1/Flt-1	Human	pg/mL
Chemokine 11-Plex Panel 1	Chemokine	11	Eotaxin, Eotaxin-3, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TARC	Human	pg/mL
Chemokine 11-Plex Panel 2	Chemokine	11	CTACK, ENA-78, Fractalkine, GRO-α, I-309, I-TAC, MIF, MIP-3α, MIP-3β, MIP-5, SDF-1α	Human	pg/mL
Chemokine 13-Plex	Chemokine	13	Eotaxin, Eotaxin-2, Eotaxin-3, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TARC	Human	pg/mL
Mouse Inflammation 10-Plex	Core Inflammation	10	IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, KC/GRO, TNF-α	Mouse	pg/mL
Mouse Cytokine 19-Plex	Broad Profiling	19	IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-17A/F, IL-27p28, IL-33, IP-10, KC/GRO, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-2, TNF-α	Mouse	pg/mL
NHP Cytokine 24-Plex	Translational	24	Eotaxin-3, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17A, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TARC, TNF-β, VEGF-A	NHP	pg/mL
NHP Inflammation 9-Plex	Core Inflammation	9	IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, TNF-α	NHP	pg/mL

Panel availability and lot-specific datasheets provided during project consultation. Additional species variants, plex levels, and custom V-PLEX configurations may be available — contact our scientific team for the current catalog.

V-PLEX ECL Detection Technology

The analytical advantages of electrochemiluminescence for validated cytokine panels.

Analytical Advantages for Cytokine Measurement

Cytokine measurement presents unique analytical demands: many interleukins circulate at single-digit pg/mL concentrations; chemokines within the same subfamily share high structural homology, creating cross-reactivity risks; and matrix proteins in serum and plasma generate autofluorescence that obscures low-abundance signals in optical detection systems. V-PLEX panels are designed to address each of these challenges through the ECL platform's inherent performance characteristics.

1. Spatially Separated Electrode Spots

Each analyte is captured on a discrete carbon electrode within the well — addressed electrically in sequence. Structurally related chemokines (e.g., MIP-1α vs. MIP-1β; MCP-1 vs. MCP-4) occupy separate physical spots with independent signal readout — no spectral overlap, no compensation algorithms, no cross-talk.

2. Background-Free ECL Readout

SULFO-TAG labels emit light only upon electrical stimulation at the electrode surface. There is no excitation light source — eliminating the serum/plasma autofluorescence that elevates background and reduces sensitivity in fluorescence-based multiplex platforms.

3. Wide Dynamic Range per Spot

4–5 log dynamic range per analyte accommodates the biological concentration span of cytokines — IL-6 at ng/mL alongside IL-4 at sub-pg/mL — in a single well under identical conditions, without dilution adjustments.

4. Lot-Controlled Coated Plates

V-PLEX plates are manufacturer-pre-coated with lot-qualified reagents. Each new lot is bridged to the previous lot using reference samples, with lot-specific calibrator concentrations and QC acceptance ranges documented in the datasheet.

V-PLEX Assay Specifications

TechnologyMSD V-PLEX

Plex Range4–54 analytes per well

Sample Volume25 µL per well

Dynamic Range4–5 logs per analyte

Intra-Assay CV<10% (median across panel)

Inter-Assay CV<15% (median across panel)

Cross-Reactivity<0.5% pairwise (per panel datasheet)

CalibratorMulti-analyte blend, 8-point, lot-specific values

Lot BridgingDocumented bridging factors per reagent transition

Plate Format96-well MULTI-ARRAY, pre-coated

Read Time~70 seconds per plate

SpeciesHuman, Mouse, Rat, NHP

V-PLEX vs. Self-Assembled Panels

Validation Documentation V-PLEX

Lot-to-Lot Consistency V-PLEX

Setup Time V-PLEX

Analyte Flexibility U-PLEX

Ultra Sensitivity S-PLEX

V-PLEX excels for studies requiring documented, reproducible performance across timepoints. U-PLEX is preferred when target flexibility is the priority. S-PLEX for maximum sensitivity on individual low-abundance targets.

V-PLEX Cytokine Panel Service Details

Full-service or kit-only delivery for all V-PLEX panels.

Service Package

Item	Full Service	Kit Only
Sample Processing	Included	— Self-run
Multi-Analyte Standard Curve	8-point, all analytes, each plate	Reagents provided
QC Samples	3 levels, duplicate	— User-prepared
Quantitative Data Report	Full per-analyte report	— Self-analysis
Lot-Specific Datasheet	Included	Included
Raw ECL Data	Included	— Instrument-dependent

For Research Use Only. Not for diagnostic procedures.

Sample Submission Requirements

Preferred MatrixEDTA Plasma (minimizes clotting-associated cytokine release)

AcceptableSerum, CSF, Cell Culture Supernatant, Tissue Lysate

Typical Sample Volume50–200 µL per aliquot. Minimum 25 µL per well regardless of plex level. Exact volume determined by replicate strategy.

Collection (Plasma)EDTA tube → centrifuge at 1,500×g/10 min/4°C → aliquot into polypropylene cryovials → freeze at −80°C

Critical NoteAvoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — single-use aliquots recommended. Hemolyzed samples noted on manifest as hemolysis may affect certain cytokine measurements.

ShippingDry ice, overnight courier

How to Get Started

Select Panel

Review the V-PLEX catalog with our scientific team — we'll confirm which panel matches your analytes of interest and species requirements.

Ship Samples

Send your samples on dry ice following our matrix-specific collection guidelines. We provide collection kits and documentation support.

Receive Validated Data

Receive your V-PLEX data package — per-analyte concentrations, lot-specific QC documentation, and panel datasheet for publication reference.

Not sure which V-PLEX panel fits your cytokine targets? Send us your analyte list — we'll map it to the optimal panel configuration and identify any gaps that U-PLEX custom panels could fill.

V-PLEX ECL vs. Bead-Based Cytokine Multiplexing

Platform comparison for validated cytokine and chemokine panel applications.

Feature	MSD V-PLEX	Luminex xMAP	Conventional ELISA (×N)
Detection	ECL — spatial electrode addressing	Fluorescent beads — spectral deconvolution	Colorimetric/fluorescent — single-analyte
Spectral Overlap	None — electrically addressed spots	Present — requires compensation	N/A — separate wells
Dynamic Range	4–5 logs per analyte	2–3 logs per analyte	2–3 logs
Sample Volume	25 µL for any plex level	25–50 µL	100 µL × N analytes
Read Time	~70 seconds/plate	~45–60 min/plate	N × ~2 hours
Pre-Validated Panels	Yes — per-analyte documentation	Partial — premix bead sets	Individual kit QC
Lot Bridging	Documented bridging factors	Lot-to-lot variability possible	Kit-dependent
Matrix Interference	Minimal — no autofluorescence	Moderate — fluorescence in serum/plasma	Variable

What You Receive

Quantitative report — concentrations for all panel analytes with per-analyte QC metrics (intra/inter-plate CV, LOD, LLOQ) in Excel and PDF
Raw ECL data — per-well, per-spot signal values with plate layout maps and standard curve plots for each analyte
Lot-specific panel datasheet — manufacturer documentation of sensitivity, precision, cross-reactivity, spike recovery, and lot-bridging factors
Methods summary — detailed protocol suitable for direct inclusion in publication Methods sections
Sample tracking documentation — complete chain-of-custody from receipt through final data delivery

Why Choose V-PLEX

Manufacturer-validated — not self-assembled: every V-PLEX panel arrives with per-analyte performance data, eliminating the analytical uncertainty of in-house multiplex assembly where each new reagent lot is an uncharacterized variable
Lot-to-lot bridging — longitudinal continuity: documented reagent lot transition data ensures that cytokine measurements from samples collected years apart remain analytically comparable, not confounded by reagent drift
25 µL for any plex level: a 54-plex consumes the same sample volume as a single ELISA well — critical for precious samples, pediatric collections, and longitudinal cohorts with limited aliquot availability
Zero spectral overlap at any plex density: spatially separated electrode spots are electrically addressed in sequence — structurally related cytokines and chemokines produce independent, cross-talk-free signals regardless of panel size
Multi-species translational continuity: species-matched V-PLEX panels (human, mouse, rat, NHP) running on identical instrument platforms enable direct preclinical-to-clinical biomarker bridging without platform-switching variability

V-PLEX panels, including the Human Cytokine 30-Plex, have been used in peer-reviewed biomarker research across autoimmune disease, oncology, infectious disease, and vaccine studies. The combination of per-analyte validation documentation and lot-to-lot bridging data makes V-PLEX the standard choice for research programs requiring auditable cytokine data suitable for peer-reviewed publication. Contact us for panel-specific publication reference lists relevant to your research area.

V-PLEX Cytokine Panel FAQ

Are V-PLEX panels validated for clinical diagnostic use?

No. V-PLEX panels are manufacturer-validated for research use only (RUO). They are suitable for preclinical studies, cohort research, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development applications. They are not validated for clinical diagnostic procedures or patient management decisions. All data is reported with the explicit disclaimer that it should not be used as the sole basis for clinical decision-making.

Can I add an analyte to an existing V-PLEX panel that doesn't include it?

V-PLEX panels have fixed, pre-configured analyte compositions — individual analytes cannot be added to or removed from a V-PLEX plate. If your target list doesn't match any single V-PLEX panel, you have two options: (1) use the U-PLEX custom platform to assemble a custom 2–10 analyte panel from available targets, or (2) run two complementary V-PLEX panels on the same samples. Our scientific team can help evaluate which approach best suits your research objectives and budget. Contact us with your analyte list for a configuration consultation.

How does lot-to-lot bridging work for longitudinal studies?

When a V-PLEX reagent lot changes (typically annually), the manufacturer qualifies the new lot against the outgoing lot using a panel of reference samples spanning the assay range. Bridging factors and acceptance criteria are documented in the lot-specific datasheet. For multi-year longitudinal studies, we can reserve aliquots of the current lot to extend availability, or implement a bridging study at the lot transition point — running a subset of archived samples on both old and new lots to generate study-specific bridging data. Discuss longitudinal requirements during study design so we can plan the lot management strategy.

What if my cytokines of interest span multiple V-PLEX panels?

This is a common scenario — for example, your target list might include core inflammatory cytokines (covered by the Inflammation 10-Plex) plus specific chemokines (covered by one of the Chemokine panels) and a growth factor (available in the 54-Plex). Options include: (1) running two complementary V-PLEX panels on the same samples — feasible with 25 µL per panel, totaling 50 µL per sample; (2) switching to the U-PLEX custom platform to build a single 2–10 analyte panel containing only your targets of interest; or (3) using the 54-Plex as a comprehensive solution that likely covers most of your targets. We'll help you evaluate the cost, sample volume, and data completeness trade-offs for each approach.

How should I prepare and ship samples for V-PLEX cytokine analysis?

For EDTA plasma: collect in EDTA tubes → centrifuge at 1,500×g for 10 min at 4°C → transfer to polypropylene cryovials → freeze immediately at −80°C. For serum: collect in SST tubes → clot 30 min at RT → centrifuge at 1,500×g for 10 min at 4°C → aliquot → −80°C. Ship on dry ice via overnight courier with a completed sample manifest form. Single-use aliquots strongly recommended — cytokines are susceptible to degradation with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Contact us for a detailed sample collection and shipping guide tailored to your specific V-PLEX panel and matrix.

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Assay methods
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Representative formatContents vary by assay and project

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Methods · Standard Curves · QC · Results

ASSAY SERVICESFOR RESEARCH USE ONLY

REPRESENTATIVE REPORT FORMAT Assay methods, QC metrics, and quantitative results

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