Multiplex analysis: accurate diagnosis based on several indicators at once

What is multiplex analysis?

Multiplex analysis is a modern high-tech technique that allows for the simultaneous examination of dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of biomarkers within a single biological sample. Due to this ability, the method has found wide application in medical diagnostics, science, and pharmacology.

The technique is based on microarray, biochip, multiplex PCR (qPCR) or fluorescently labeled microsphere technologies. Each area of the chip or bead is responsible for a specific marker — protein, DNA, RNA or other analyte. When a reagent is added to the sample, the system analyzes many parameters at once, reading the result automatically.

What are the advantages of multiplex analysis?

• The advantages of multiplex analysis are not only in convenience. It is about a qualitatively different level of medical accuracy:

  • Complexity: you get several indicators at once without additional tests or repeat visits

  • Time saving: instead of dozens of separate tests, one with results in 1–2 days

  • Less biomaterial: one tube of blood or even a smear is enough

  • Higher sensitivity: some multiplex methods detect biomarkers at ultra-low concentrations

  • Automation: minimizes human error and measurement errors

  This is especially important in cases where symptoms are nonspecific or the patient is difficult to undergo advanced diagnostics by traditional methods (e.g., children, the elderly, or the seriously ill).

  

In which cases is multiplex analysis used?

• Infectious diseases: detection of several pathogens simultaneously (for example, TORCH complex, PCR for STIs)

• Allergology: allergy panels with dozens of allergens (food, household, pollen, etc.)

• Oncology: tumor marker panels that allow for the simultaneous assessment of several types of tumor risk

• Genetics: mutation screening, genetic predisposition analysis, pharmacogenetic testing

• Autoimmune diseases: autoantibody panels for comprehensive assessment of immune status

Example: ALEX2 allergy panel

One of the most well-known platforms, ALEX2, allows you to test your body's response to 300+ allergens and allergenic components. This test allows you to distinguish true allergies from cross-allergies, determine IgE levels, and detail the risk of anaphylaxis.

Multiplex allergy tests are especially useful for children, people with atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and polyvalent allergies.

How multiplex technology works

Most multiplex platforms use the principle of microchips, microspheres, or fluorescent labeling. For example, dozens of zones can be fixed on a single carrier, each of which is responsible for a separate marker. The sample is applied to the chip, the reaction is started, and the system automatically reads the results for all indicators at once.

This principle is used by technologies such as:

• Luminex

• ELISA multiplex

• DNA microarray

• qPCR Multiplex (real-time PCR for multiple targets)

Table: Comparison of multiplex analysis with traditional methods