A simple, rapid, and convenient Luminex-compatible method of tissue isolation.

Various pathological conditions are associated with changes in multiple protein biomarkers, and these changes can be assessed using xMAP beads and the Luminex platform. Although this platform is most commonly utilized in the analysis of biomarkers in serum, plasma, or urine, it is often desirable to measure these analytes in tissues (e.g., biopsy specimens). We have developed a simple, rapid method of tissue isolation in which excised tissues are permeabilized in RNAlater at 4 degrees C overnight, followed by Luminex analysis for inflammatory biomarkers (cytokines). This method was compared with flash-freezing in both mouse liver and human debrided wound specimens, and may be of utility in other clinical settings.