Multiplexed testing in the autoimmunity laboratory.

A variety of technologies for autoantibody profiling have been developed. The main techniques are line-blot immunoassays, bar-coded nanoparticle immunoassays, and bead-based assays with flow cytometry detection and antigen microarrays. Some of these technologies are only able to measure a limited number of autoantibodies, while others can detect elevated numbers. Assays for antinuclear antibody specificities using line-blot immunoassays and bead-based assays with flow cytometry detection are already commercialised. Antigen microarrays for autoantibody measurement are only in the development phase, although in the not too distant future these assays will probably appear on the market. Multiplexed testing in the autoimmunity laboratory appears to have a promising future, since this technique permits a reduction in analytical time, with a shorter turnaround time.