Bead-based multianalyte flow immunoassays: the cytometric bead array system.

Analytical cytometry has significant potential beyond cellular analysis. The inherent capability of flow cytometers to efficiently discriminate between uniformly sized particles based on their intrinsic properties provides the foundation for multiplex bead assays. The technology can be exploited in designing immunoassays, Western blot-like antibody assays, and nucleic acid hybridization assays. This chapter focuses on immunoassay applications. The multiplex bead assays have recently evolved as a new and increasingly popular area for flow cytometry, becoming a good alternative to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for efficient evaluation of panels of analytes. This chapter provides detailed information about two bead platforms, the BD Cytometric Bead Array kits and the BD Cytometric Bead Array Flex Set Assays.