Why Multiplexing Matters

Understanding Multiplex Technology

In traditional diagnostic testing, a separate test is required for each analyte. This can mean using multiple instruments and many hours to complete a comprehensive panel of test results for an individual patient. Multiplexing analyzes multiple separate test analytes simultaneously, in a single test.² This allows test panels and reflexive algorithms to be completed in one step, without additional testing.

Compared to traditional methods, which perform tests individually, multiplex technology revolutionizes clinical laboratory operations.

BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen Panel
1 Test = 14 Individual Results

* SS-A 52 and SS-A 60 are a composite result in the U.S.
† RNP A and RNP 68 are a composite result in the U.S.
‡ Composite result

14 Separate Tests

Multiplexing Improves Workflow Efficiency

Clinical laboratories face the challenge of processing higher volumes of patient samples while maintaining accuracy and speed. Multiplex technology helps laboratories overcome workflow inefficiencies to achieve seamless operations.

• Result Throughput

  Multiplexing offers a significant advantage by producing results quickly, allowing laboratories to generate more results in less time.³ Increasing throughput helps manage testing workloads and improves efficiency.

  On-board Test Capacity

  Because multiplexed reagents are composed of multiple different tests, the onboard test menu capacity is very large. Laboratories can consolidate singleplex analyzers with limited test menus onto a single multiplex analyzer to maximize testing efficiency.

• One-step Testing Algorithms

  Reflexive algorithms require laboratories to process a sequence of multiple tests. Multiplex technology can generate algorithm results in one step. Multiplexed results are accessed on-demand without the need to run additional tests. Eliminating the need to perform sequential algorithm testing improves result throughput and turnaround time.

Multiplexing Optimizes Labor Utilization

Clinical laboratories face the challenge of processing higher volumes of patient samples while maintaining accuracy and speed. Multiplex technology helps laboratories overcome workflow inefficiencies to achieve seamless operations.

• Reduce Hands-on Time

  Because multiplex technology generates multiple results with a single test, operators run fewer individual tests and perform fewer calibration and control runs. This greatly reduces operator hands-on time and effort.

  Reduce Reflex Testing

  By generating algorithm results in a single test, multiplexing eliminates the need to perform separate individual reflex testing. This reduces the workload for laboratory staff, enhancing overall efficiency and allowing them to focus on higher-priority tasks.

• Reduce Testing Workload

  Generating multiple results with a single test minimizes the sample handling, reagent preparation, and processing steps required for technicians to perform multiple individual tests. This reduces the workload and minimizes the risk of operator errors.

  Focus Staff on Value-added Activities

  By reducing testing demands, multiplex technology allows laboratory technologists to focus on high-value tasks, enhancing overall laboratory efficiency.

Cost Benefits of Multiplexing

Managing costs is a constant challenge for clinical laboratories in the era of budget constraints. Multiplexing helps to reduce operational costs without compromising quality.

Fewer Reagents

With multiplexing, testing produces more results while using fewer reagents, fewer calibrators, fewer controls, and fewer consumable supplies. This can lead to cost savings in the long run.

* Composite result
† SS-A 52 and SS-A 60 are a composite result in the U.S.
‡ RNP A and RNP 68 are a composite result in the U.S.

Performing an ANA algorithm using traditional EIA methods involves the processing of 14 separate tests. Each distinct test requires specific reagents, calibrators, and controls to produce 14 individual results.

In contrast, the Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200 ANA Panel uses multiplex technology to generate up to 14* results with a single test and requires only one set of test reagents, one set of calibrator reagents, and one set of control reagents.⁴

 

Reduced Patient Sample Volume

Compared with individual testing for each analyte, multiplexing minimizes the patient sample volume required to generate multiple results.

Traditional EIA vs. BioPlex 2200 ANA Panel

Processing a 14-test ANA algorithm using traditional EIA methods requires 14 separate patient sample aliquots to produce each individual result. In comparison, the BioPlex 2200 ANA Panel utilizes multiplex technology to derive all 14* individual test results from just one single, small sample aliquot.

 

Reduced Testing

By generating more results with fewer tests, multiplexing reduces technician hands-on time and labor costs. Additionally, reducing testing processes minimizes operator errors that lead to costly failures.

Enhanced Patient Care

Improving patient care outcomes is the primary objective of any clinical laboratory. Laboratories often face the challenge of meeting turnaround time expectations due to high volumes and limited resources. Multiplex technology helps to address these challenges to elevate the standard of patient care.

Result Turnaround Time

By generating multiple results in a single test, multiplexing expedites the turnaround time for patient results. This improved efficiency accelerates test processing, particularly for test panels and reflexive algorithms, leading to faster diagnoses and, ultimately, better patient outcomes.

Integrated Quality Control

Multiplex technology allows quality control beads to be integrated into every test. This capability allows for real-time analysis of assay parameters within each test and complements traditional quality control methods that bracket QC around a batch of samples. Multiplexed QC beads ensure the integrity of every test, instilling greater confidence in the accuracy and reliability of results.

The Multiplexing Advantage

Multiplexing is transforming the field of clinical diagnostics by offering unparalleled advantages in workflow efficiency, cost reduction, and patient care. By understanding the benefits of multiplexing, laboratories can achieve greater control over costs, generate more results with less time and effort, and optimize overall operations.