Remember when multiplex analysis first emerged? It changed the way we analyzed data from tedious one-analyte assays to a multiple-analyte analyses in a single run. Using platforms such as Luminex’s bead based xMAP platform we are able to analyze hundreds of analytes at a time with great sensitivity. However the cost of multiplexing platforms was prohibitive for many labs. With the release of the new lower-cost MAGPIX instrument, which uses Luminex’s MagPlex® magnetic beads, multiplexing has become affordable for many more labs.
I stumbled upon an interesting article this week in the Journal of Food Protection titled “Microbead-Based Immunoassay Simultaneous Detection of Shiga Toxins and Isolation of E. coli O157 in Foods”. It shows how the implementation of the xMAP technology has improved the sensitivity of current technology, specifically in detecting food-borne pathogens and toxic markers. With improved sensitivity and specificity, the article also states that when using the xMAP technology, you can develop rapid and reliable results.
How can I get even more value out of the xMAP technology?
Hitachi Solutions America, Ltd. has engineered analysis software called MasterPlex QT to ultimately save you time through its ease-of-use interface while providing versatility of analysis tools and customization of reports. MasterPlex QT allows MagPlex and/or MAGPIX users to save time by simply selecting the Best Fit curve-fitting button to create the optimum curve fit for your data. This feature automatically selects the optimal model equation and weighting algorithm with different parameters to optimize for: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), R-Square, or lowest Standard Deviation of % Recovery.
MasterPlex QT’s optimized model equations present accurate and precise curve-fitting from one experiment to the next, offering reliable and reproducible results.
Reporting has not been this easy to do as MasterPlex QT has highly flexible graphing capabilities and a Custom Report Generator, allowing you to create a report that fits your current report templates.
This one-two combination of xMAP technology and the power of MasterPlex QT can help you achieve more consistent results in less time.
For more tips on optimizing xMAP data analysis, refer to our “Top 10 Tips Luminex/Bio-Plex Data Analysis.”
Reference:
Microbead-based immunoassay for simultaneous detection of Shiga toxins and isolation of Escherichia coli O157 in foods. Clotilde LM, Bernard C 4th, Hartman GL, Lau DK, Carter JM. J Food Prot. 2011 Mar; 74(3):373-9.
