[Skip to Content](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#main-content) [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en) Products Cart0 USEN Products [Login / Register](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/oidc-sign-in) [Order Lookup](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/order-lookup) [Quick Order](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/quick-order) Cart0 [Home](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en)[MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays for Luminex® Instruments](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/milliplex-multiplex-assays-for-luminex-technology)How to Select Your Immunoassay Platform # How to Select Your Immunoassay Platform Consistent analyte detection and quantification require reliable reagents, and not all biomarker kits are created equal. Keep your focus on the next stage. Our rigorously tested and limitation-lifting immunoassay platforms use a range of verified methods to ensure optimized performance and lot-to-lot consistency. Providing the specificity, biological dynamic ranges, and sensitivity that you require, our versatile ELISAs, ultrasensitive SMC® assays, and MILLIPLEX® multiplex assays using Luminex® xMAP® technology deliver consistent performance, lot after lot. See the difference by choosing a platform with our biomarker kits that provide you with all the AssayAbilities to take your biomarker research further. Download our [Analyte Quarterly brochure](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/documents/828/298/analyte-quarterly-ms.pdf) for a full listing of all our products. - [Factors to Consider When Choosing Immunoassays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#factors) - [Comparison of Immunoassay Platforms](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#comparison) - [Advantages of Our Platforms](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#adv-of-platforms) - [Multiplexing](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#multiplexing) - [Ultrasensitive Detection](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#ultrasensitive) - [ELISAs](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#elisas) - [Complete Toolkit for Immunoassay Workflows](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#toolkit) - [Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#products) ## Fit for Purpose Immunoassay Platforms ### Luminex® Instruments - MILLIPLEX® Screening Assays  Profile more with less sample. The largest Luminex®-based assay on the market, the MILLIPLEX® PLEXpedition Screening Kit can simultaneously measure 115 analytes across virtually any sample type. Seamlessly transition to MILLIPLEX® qualified assays and unlock deeper insights, faster. [Learn more](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplex-assay-technology) ### Luminex® Instruments - MILLIPLEX® Qualified Assays  Keep your research on track. Configure up to 68 analytes in a single well with fully verified MILLIPLEX® qualified assays. Built-in QCs and serum matrix ensure accurate and reproducible results. Proven lot-to-lot consistency means you never have to second guess your data. [Learn more](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplex-assay-technology) ### ELISA Plate Reader - Conferma® ELISAs  Confidence in every kit. Conferma® ELISAs go beyond standard testing with critical reagent verification, gold standards for reproducibility, and endogenous sample bridging as a lot-release test. This means every batch meets the highest bar before it reaches your lab.  [Learn more](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/protein-biology/elisa/conferma-sandwich-elisas) ### FemtoQuest™ System - Ultrasensitive SMC® Assays  Low abundance, high confidence. Operating at femtogram/mL sensitivity, with single or dual-plex formats and automation compatibility, SMC® assays deliver the power and efficiency to take your biomarker research to the next level. [Learn more](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/what-is-smc-technology-overview-of-ultrasensitive-immunoassay) * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Factors to Consider When Choosing Immunoassays When thinking about what immunoassay platform you need, there are some factors you should consider, including: - Multiplex capability (plex size needed) - Sensitivity needs - Precision (inter- or intra-assay coefficient of variation (%CV)) - Number of samples per assay (throughput) - Sample volume available - Vendor support after purchase - Automation compatibility ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Comparison of Immunoassay Platforms Researchers rely on commercial immunoassays to study biomarker expression in a wide variety of research applications. With recent technological advances pushing the limits of protein quantification in high sensitivity and multiplex analyte detection, we are committed to delivering the best possible immunoassays for your research needs. Whether you are using our industry-leading [MILLIPLEX® multiplex panels](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#multiplexing) to broadly survey multiple analytes, performing femtogram/mL biomarker analysis using the [SMC® ultrasensitive immunoassay platform](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#ultrasensitive), or examining single proteins with our tried-and-true [ELISAs and radioimmunoassays (RIAs)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#elisas), you can confidently expect reliable measurements, a simplified user experience, and knowledgeable scientific partners to help drive your biomarker project from hypothesis to publication. __Table 1__ gives a breakdown of these different platforms.   __MILLIPLEX® Screening Panels__ __MILLIPLEX® Qualified Panels__ __ELISAs__  __SMC® Platform__ __Description__ Screen up to 115 analytes across multiple research areasAccurately and consistently measure up to 68 analytes in a sample Trusted standards for protein quantitation Explore previously undetectable proteins __Benefit__ Efficiently identify biomarkers of interest in selected sample types for further analysis in qualified assays Fully verified kits with fixed standard curve ranges, quality controls, and serum matrix for sample normalization Cost effective data without the need for specialist equipment Ultra-high sensitivity biomarker detection with verified kits and flexible assay formats for reliable results __Single/Multiplex__ MultiplexMultiplex Single Multiplex __Plex Size__ Up to 115 Up to 68 1 1-2 __Assay Format__ Bead-based Bead-based Plate-based Bead-based or plate-based __Plate type__ 96-well 96-well or 384-well 96-strip well 96-well __Quantitative__ YesYes Yes Yes __Sensitivity__ Down to pg/mLDown to pg/mL Down to pg/mL Down to fg/mL __Sample Size__ ~25 µL (may be diluted)~25 µL (may be diluted) 50 – 100 µL 5 - 100 µL __Dynamic Range__ 3 – 5.5 log 3 – 5.5 log 2 – 3 log 4 – 5 log __Hands-On Time__ 2 hours 90 minutes ([reference](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/11772719211006666)) 45 minutes 90 minutes __Assay Duration__ Overnight Same day or overnight 3-5 hours 4 hours __Assay__ MILLIPLEX® assay or any Luminex® assayMILLIPLEX® assay or any Luminex® assay Any ELISA or RIA SMC® assay __Instrument__ Luminex® Systems: xMAP® INTELLIFLEX®, FLEXMAP 3D®, *\**Luminex® 200™, \*MAGPIX® Instruments *\*Restrictions apply based on analyte selection* Luminex® Systems: xMAP® INTELLIFLEX®, FLEXMAP 3D®, Luminex® 200™ Instruments, \*MAGPIX® Instruments *\*Restrictions apply based on analyte selection* Any ELISA reader  FemtoQuest™ System __Custom Assay Development Support__ NoYes Yes Yes __Automation__ NoYes Yes Yes Table 1. Comparison of characteristics between multiple immunoassay platforms. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Advantages of Our Platforms Our immunoassay platforms offer many advantages including: ### Published Performance - Broadest analyte selection across research areas and species - Over 18,000 published papers with data generated using our immunoassays - Configurable, premixed, and bulk kit options to fit your exact research needs ### Quality - Over four decades of immunoassay development and manufacturing expertise - [Highly-verified assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/importance-of-verification-for-high-sensitivity-immunoassays) developed and [quality tested](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/quality-in-milliplex-multiplex-kits) for accurate, reproducible, and biologically relevant protein measurements - Manufactured in facilities that are ISO 9001:2015 compliant, our products are for research use only (RUO) and not for use in clinical or for medical diagnostic purposes ### User Experience - Kit components are pre-optimized for easy use and minimal preparation steps - Comprehensive protocols with recommendations for optimal sample preparation - Knowledgeable in-house and field-based scientific support for assays and instruments - [State-of-the-art Belysa® software](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/services/software-and-digital-platforms/belysa-immunoassay-curve-fitting-software) for powerful immunoassay data analysis and reporting  ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Multiplexing Our industry-leading MILLIPLEX® multiplex assays provide Genuine PlexAbility based on Luminex® xMAP® technology and give you the FlexAbility to select your combination of biomarkers to simultaneously analyze with ease. To further support our customers’ research needs, we offer two fit-for-purpose assay solutions - Qualified and Screening assays. ### Qualified Assays - Lot-to-lot reproducibility, rigorous QC testing - Includes QCs and Serum Matrix - Ideal for long-term or cross-site studies - Broadest analyte selection across research areas and species - Configurable, premixed, and bulk kit options to fit your exact research needs - More than 500 [exclusive analytes](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/unique-analyte) for diverse research applications ### Screening Assays - Profile up to 115 analytes simultaneously - Uses same reagents as Qualified assay (no QCs or Serum Matrix) - Tested for analyte specificity - Ideal for identifying gross differences in experimental groups - Sample agnostic - Species available: Human Combined with the largest portfolio of multiplex biomarkers available, we provide you with the power of Luminex® xMAP® instrumentation, the most trusted, widely-used platform for biomarker screening and protein analysis. [Choose between the xMAP® INTELLIFLEX®, FLEXMAP 3D®, or the Luminex® 200™ systems.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplexing-platforms-comparison) Learn more about MILLIPLEX® multiplex assays and how to activate your PlexAbility in our [Overview of Luminex® Multiplex Assay Technology article.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplex-assay-technology)  ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Ultrasensitive Detection Get Next-Level Detectability for low abundance biomarkers using our ultrasensitive SMC® immunoassay kits on the FemtoQuest™ system, measuring down to femtogram/mL levels. This fluidics-free, low maintenance system allows for single analyte and dual-plex analysis of critical biomarkers, with advancements including better signal-to-noise ratio, improved precision, higher sensitivity and a broad dynamic range of biomarkers, as well as sample retention for plate re-reading capabilities. Our portfolio of immunoassay kits in both single analyte and dual-plex formats are optimized on the [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)[FemtoQuest™ system](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/femtoquest-immunoassay-platform-for-ultrasensitive-biomarker-detection).     This platform covers a broad range of research areas including: - Neuroscience - Immunology/Inflammation - Virology - Toxicity - Immunogenicity - PK/PD - Oncology - And more Discover more about SMC® technology and how to activate your DetectAbility in our [Overview of Ultrasensitive Immunoassay Technology article.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/what-is-smc-technology-overview-of-ultrasensitive-immunoassay)  ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)ELISAs Quantify critical targets with ELISAs that combine the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of simple enzyme assays. Our manufacturing of highly verified, preconfigured [ELISAs](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/elisa-kits) and RIAs is the gold standard, giving you the same accuracy and precision in every lot, backed by the same, unwavering technical support. Specifically, our Conferma® ELISAs provide Designed RelyAbility and are engineered for endogenous detection and lot-to-lot consistency of routine-use biomarkers. They increase data reproducibility by utilizing physiochemical analysis tools to confirm reagent similarity prior to assay manufacture. This growing product line currently offers Human IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and TNFα ELISAs. Discover more about this process and how to activate your RelyAbility in our [Conferma® ELISAs article](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/protein-biology/elisa/conferma-sandwich-elisas). ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Complete Toolkit for Immunoassay Workflows All of these platforms can be used together to give you a complete picture of your research. The MILLIPLEX® multiplex platform can be used to screen biomarkers and find your biomarkers of interest. From there, you can perform targeted biomarker analysis with Conferma® ELISAs for routine biomarkers, or deeper analysis of selected biomarkers through the ultrasensitive SMC® platform.  We also offer additional tools to complete your immunoassay workflows.  ### User-Friendly Data Analysis Supporting all three platforms, our Belysa® Immunoassay Curve Fitting Software gives you Complete CompareAbility and provides a user-friendly tool to quickly compare your standard and sample curves with ease, ensuring your methods and plates ran consistently over time at the single assay level, over multiple plates, and over multiple lots. It is compatible with both Windows 10 and macOS (beta). With Belysa® analysis software you can: - Quickly check replicate %CVs and standard point recovery - Check that plates ran consistently - Confirm lot-to-lot similarity - Analyze data from ELISA readers and Luminex® or FemtoQuest™ instruments See how easy it is to use this software and how to activate your CompareAbility in our [Belysa® software article](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/belysa-software/monitoring-immunoassay-method-reproducibility).  ### Custom Assay Development & Innovation (CADI) Services Leverage our immunoassay expertise to create your custom biomarker assay solution. We follow a milestone-based process to develop the “Fit for Purpose” assay you need. From beginning to end, your assay development journey will be an interactive, iterative process as you work closely with our team to meet your research goals. When you do not have the time or resources to develop your own assay for your biomarker(s) of interest, our Custom Assay Development & Innovation team provides Expert CustomAbility and can help accelerate projects from the discovery stage to clinical trials with: - Collaborative new biomarker discovery and assay development - Immunogenicity assay development and PK/PD profiling during biotherapeutic development - Reagent selection Experience enhanced flexibility with services to: - Combine new and existing analytes across panels - Switch existing 96-well assays to a 384-well format - [Test non-verified sample types](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/custom-assay-sample-testing-faqs) - Convert MILLIPLEX® kits to the SMC® platform when greater sensitivity is needed Discover more about these services and how to activate your CustomAbility on our [Custom Assay page](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/services/custom-products/custom-milliplex-multiplex-assays-and-elisas). ### Ancillary Equipment Complete your workflows with ancillary equipment such as plate washers and ELISA reading equipment in partnership with BioTek® instruments. - BioTek® plate washers available for [SMC® assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/biotek-405-tsuvs-plate-washer), [MILLIPLEX® assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/biotek-multiplexing-microplate-washers), and ELISAs - BioTek® absorbance readers available for Millipore® and Sigma-Aldrich® ELISAs Download our [Analyte Quarterly brochure](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/documents/828/298/analyte-quarterly-ms.pdf) for a full listing of all our products. ## Instrumentation and Equipment Sorry, an unexpected error has occurred Response not successful: Received status code 500 ## New Products Sorry, an unexpected error has occurred Response not successful: Received status code 500 __For Research Use Only. Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures.__ ### Stay Up To Date – Subscribe to Our Newsletter Our Analyte Update Newsletter provides bi-monthly research updates, tips and tricks, as well as access to all our immunoassay platform products, services, and technical resources. Subscribe today to stay up to date with our latest news. [Subscribe Now](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/collections/analyte-update) __Related Supporting Articles__ - [Overview of Luminex® Multiplex Assay Technology | MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplex-assay-technology) - [An Overview of SMC® Ultrasensitive Immunoassay Technology](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/what-is-smc-technology-overview-of-ultrasensitive-immunoassay) - [Quality in MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Kits](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/quality-in-milliplex-multiplex-kits) - [Importance of Verification for High-Sensitivity Immunoassays | SMC® Technology](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/importance-of-verification-for-high-sensitivity-immunoassays) - [Superior Lot-to-Lot Consistency of Cytokine Measurement | MILLIPLEX® Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/superior-lot-to-lot-consistency-cytokine-measurement) - [Luminex® Multiplexing Platforms Comparison](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplexing-platforms-comparison) - [FemtoQuest™ Immunoassay Platform](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/femtoquest-immunoassay-platform-for-ultrasensitive-biomarker-detection) - [Immunoassays for Cosmetics and Personal Care Research](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/smc-technologies/immunoassays-for-cosmetics-and-personal-care-research) - [View More](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) __Related Product Categories__ - [MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays for Luminex® Instruments](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/milliplex-multiplex-assays-for-luminex-technology) - [SMC® High Sensitivity Immunoassay Kits](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/single-molecule-counting-technology) - [Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kits](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/elisa-kits) - [AAW™ Automated Assay Workstation](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/lab-automation/aaw-automated-assay-workstation) Top __Sign In To Continue__ To continue reading please sign in or create an account. 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