Multiplex assays of inflammatory markers, a description of methods and discussion of precautions - Our experience through the last ten years

Inflammatory markers may have different effects depending on concentration, location in the body and on which other inflammatory markers that is present. The complexity of the immune system thus demands for multiplex analysis of inflammatory markers to get a broad picture of the immune response. This paper describes our experience with analysis of inflammatory markers with multiplex immunoassays based on Luminex xMAP technology through the last ten years. Analysis of several different sample matrixes like plasma/serum, dried blood spot samples, amniotic and cervical fluid, nasal lavage, spinal fluid, and cell culture are described, including the use of internal assay markers to detect problems with samples or analysis. Pre-analytical considerations and steps in preparation of the in-house multiplex assay to decrease inter-assay variations are discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.