Multiplex Cytokine Assays Need Independent Quality Controls

Quality control is particularly important for multiplex cytokine assays due to the greater demands of performing several assays in a single procedure.

Cytokines are signaling proteins, released primarily by immune cells and are implicated in a number of diseases. The complexity of the cytokine signaling network and the roles played by different cytokines is critical to understanding both normal and pathologic processes. There has been an emergence of multiplex assays that give a picture of multiple cytokines in a single sample.

Many cytokine assays suffer from inconsistent accuracy and poor precision. In addition, different manufacturers' assays produce markedly different results depending on the production process and the assay method. Using kit controls can add to the problem. Kit controls are often manufactured using the same materials and production methods as the kit components, then optimized for a specific instrument. They can actually conceal problems arising from the reagents, calibrators, or instruments.

Independent quality controls allow laboratories to validate calibrations, monitor accuracy and precision, and reduce interlaboratory variation. Randox Laboratories (Crumlin, UK) offers tri-level cytokine controls for cytokine assays and high-sensitivity cytokine assays. These controls are suitable for multiplex assays and for multi-center clinical trials.

The Randox controls are 100% human and do not contain preservatives. They are lyophilized and have a two-year shelf life. When reconstituted, they are stable for four hours at +2-8°C or seven days at –20°C. The 12 analytes include seven interleukins (IL-1a, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), epidermal growth factor (EGF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa).


Related Links:
Randox Laboratories