Called the FlexMap 3D system, the new technology provides both protein and nucleic acid applications on one platform, and has applications in market segments such as molecular diagnostics, HLA testing, life science research, and markets as diverse as biodefense, animal health, and agro-biotech.

Designed by Luminex Corporation (Austin, TX, USA) the FlexMap 3D (three dimensional) is suitable for clinical reference labs, pharmaceutic labs, and academic core labs that are interested in enhanced workflow and higher multiplexing capabilities using the company's xMap bead-based technology. The new instrument displays improved analytical performance, front-end automation, and enhanced throughput. It is built on flow cytometry, microspheres, lasers, digital signal processing, and traditional chemistry. Featuring a flexible, open-architecture design, xMap technology can be configured to perform a wide variety of bioassays quickly, cost-effectively, and accurately.

"We are very excited to announce our first commercial shipment of FlexMap 3D," said Douglas Bryant, executive vice president and COO of Luminex. "The increased speed, increased multiplexing capabilities, as well as the improved workflow of the instrument will offer researchers and clinicians rapid and accurate results to improve the health and well-being of people around the world." Full market release of the instrument is expected in the first quarter of 2009.

The Luminex systems are flexible analyzers based on the principles of three-dimensional bead arrays. Due to the enhanced liquid kinetics of the microspheres in solution, these arrays offer superior uniformity and faster reaction times than standard two-dimensional planar arrays. The proprietary microsphere dyeing process also provides higher levels of multiplexing than traditional methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs) or the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Luminex licenses its instruments and array-based assays to companies in clinical diagnostics and biologic research

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