Frequently Asked Questions
Q-Plex™ Technology offers quality imaging and data analysis
for every application and budget
Multiplexed ELISA Kits
What is Q-Plex?
Q-Plex technology is a multiplex ELISA, an assay platform that can simultaneously quantify the concentrations of multiple analytes by utilizing enzymes and adsorbed antibodies and/or antigens. Each fully-quantitative Q-Plex kit consists of arrays of up to 20 distinct capture antibody nano spots deposited into each well of a microtitre plate, meaning that in a 96-well plate, you can obtain up to 96 X 20 = 1920 data points. This is different from a traditional ELISA, where an entire well is devoted to a single type of antibody population, such that only 96 data points are acquired in one plate. Q-Plex kits can be imaged and analyzed using our high-quality, low-cost Q-View imager, or other imagers, and our Q-View Software.
Can you build a custom assay for me?
What is the shelf life of a Q-Plex kit?
Assay Performance
How do your multiplex ELISA kits work?
The Q-Plex kits consist of a printed array of capture antibodies for a variety of biological markers. The user adds a calibrator and samples to individual wells of a 96-well plate. After incubation and washing, a mixture of biotinylated antibodies is added to the plate. This is followed by incubating with streptavidin-HRP or IR dye and is completed by capturing the light produced from adding chemiluminescent substrate with an imaging system. Pixel intensity values from the images are used to construct a standard curve and calculate the concentrations of the unknown sample for each system.
Are the results quantitative?
How much variance should I expect in a Quansys multiplex ELISA?
Test Protocol
What kind of samples can be run in the Quansys multiplex ELISA array?
How much sample is required for the Quansys multiplex ELISA array?
How long does it take to complete the Quansys multiplex ELISA protocol?
Can I stop the assay once I start it?
Do I have to use the entire 96 well plate in one assay?
How should I dilute my sample if I expect a high response for one biomarker and a low response for another?
Software and Analysis
Does the standard curve encompass the lower limit of detection (LLD) for each cytokine?
The LLD is the lowest concentration of an analyte where its signal is distinguishable from the background (2 times the standard deviation of the mean of the background). This is different than the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) which is the lowest concentration of an analyte that can be accurately measured. In many cases, the typical standard curve does not reach the LLD nor the LLOQ for a given protein. The user has an option of using additional dilutions of the calibrator mix to achieve the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for a given protein. A quick determination of LLOQ is to examine the backfit of your regression analysis and determine where the model no longer predicts within 80-120% of the actual standard value. I.E. the LLOQ is the lowest point where the backfit is within 80-120% of its corresponding value on the standard curve.
How is the data gathered from the CCD imager analyzed?
Q-View Software allows the user to open the plate image, mark the spots, input well assignments and select the product type. The software then automatically analyzes the pixel intensity of individual spots on the plate and processes the data. All customers can download a free trial of the software and have full access for 60 days. After 60 days, the software will still process images and calculate raw data but will no longer perform regression analysis. Visit our Q-View Software page to learn more about the software and how to start your free trial.
How long does it take to complete the Quansys multiplex ELISA protocol?
Can I stop the assay once I start it?
Imaging and Equipment
What additional equipment (not provided in the kit) is required to run this assay?
The user will need to provide a pipette and imager. For convenient processing, we also recommend an automatic plate washer and multichannel pipette for best results.
Will different CCD and CMOS Cameras give different pixel intensities and how will this affect my assay?
Yes, different CCD and CMOS cameras give different pixel intensities based on the sensitivity of the camera. However, this will not affect assay performance or standard curve generation as the pixel intensities are relative values.
I don't have access to a CCD camera system. Is there a testing service?
Yes, your samples can be mailed to Quansys where they will be tested using the Quansys Multiplex ELISA platform. Data, along with statistical analyses will be provided to the user within two weeks. Please contact us for details and pricing.
As researchers and problem solvers ourselves, we understand the value of sound data. We are proud to be a part of research that can better the world. We value the relationships, partnerships, and friendships that we have built with the people who trust and use our technology. We are committed to building these relationships. You can count on us to answer the phone and take time to thoroughly address questions or concerns about any of our products. In an industry that is reputed for grandiose claims, we trust that our quality standards and our customer service set us apart from the competition. If you’re happy with our products or if you think we can do something better, we hope you will let us know.