Quick Detection of Immune Analytes

A new analysis method permits the simultaneous quantification in body fluids of numerous parameters in the immune system, satisfying the growing demand for more-efficient analysis systems at favorable costs.

The method is based on flow cytometry technology and a new product called FlowCytomix, which permits simultaneous detection of up to 10 analytes by the automatic sorting of fluorescence-labeled cells. Individual cells are detected and differentiated on the basis of their size and fluorescence intensity. FlowCytomix, however, does not measure cells. It assesses the synthetic, fluorescent microspheres that have been coated with specific antibodies and added to the sample.

The microspheres bind substances in body fluids, which can then be identified. Each of the maximum 10 types of microspheres only carries antibodies for a single specific substance. After the separation of microspheres, the bound antibodies can be detected by a specific antibody or two-step reaction. The automatic analysis of the substance size and dye intensity thus allow for the identification and quantification of the bound substance.
The detection sensitivity and results are comparable with classic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

"One of its uses is the measurement of multiple cytokines, which determines an individual's immune status. Cardiovascular marker proteins can also be measured efficiently, and the risk of cardiovascular disease can thus be estimated,” stated Dr. Irene Rech-Weichselbraun, vice president, R&D, Bender MedSystems GmbH (Vienna, Austria). Bender MedSystems developed the FlowCytomix.




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