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Multiplex Technology for Autoimmune Diagnostics Can Reduce Costs and Increase Throughput

Gold Standard Diagnostics
13 Aug 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

GSD has partnered with Theradiag (formerly known as Biomedical Diagnostics, BMD) to provide laboratories with the FIDIS™ suite of products for detection of the auto-antibodies associated with connective tissue diseases, CREST syndrome, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, Sjögren syndrome, thyroid syndromes, Celiac and many others.

Autoimmune diagnosis can be complicated and expensive. Multiplex technology allows clinicians to perform an entire panel of assays in a single well and generate the same results with drastically less laboratory resources and patient sample requirements. For example, the FIDIS™ Connective 10 panel simultaneously detects antibodies for dsDNA, SS-A, SS-B, RNP, Sm, Jo-1, Scl-70, ribosomal P and centromere, all in a single well. Major cost savings can be achieved through decreased labor and higher throughput.

The FIDIS™ system employs Luminex® xMAP® technology, along with proprietary MLX booster™ software to provide rapid and precise results for autoimmune diagnosis. xMAP® uses proprietary microsphere beads for multiplexing. A single well can contain up to 500 microsphere beads, each coated with a reagent specific to a particular assay. The beads are color coded, allowing for accurate, automated reading of results by an advanced optical system.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.MicroplatesMicroplates are multi-well plates used to increase the throughput of biological investigations. The number of wells microplates contain can range from 6 to 3243 wells, with the 96-well format being the most commonly used. Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.AutoimmunityMultiplexingMultiplexing refers to the ability to measure multiple targets or analytes simultaneously in a single experiment. This technique is valuable for high-throughput screening, diagnostics, and complex assays, as it increases efficiency and data quality. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best multiplexing products, compare tools, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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