Luminex 100 IS Version 2.2 - Manual (Page 41)

PN 89-00002-00-069 Rev. A 4 - 1
Basic Concepts
Background
Information
xMAP technology is a versatile system that measures soluble
analytes. The Luminex 100 IS performs simultaneous, discrete
measurements of multiple microsphere-based reactions from a single
specimen aliquot.
For more conceptual information, refer to
Practical Flow Cytometry, 3rd edition, by Howard M. Shapiro, M.D.
(New York: Wiley-Liss Inc., 1995).
Fluidics
There are two fluidic paths in the Luminex 100 analyzer. The first
path involves a syringe-driven mechanism that controls the sample
uptake. This mechanism permits small sample uptake volumes from
small reaction volumes. The syringe-driven system transports a
specified volume of sample from a sample container to the cuvette.
The sample is injected into the cuvette at a steady rate for analysis.
Following analysis, the sample path is automatically purged with
sheath fluid by the second fluidics path. This process effectively
removes residual sample within the tubing, valves, and probe.
Approximately 160 µL of sheath fluid is dispelled into each well
following sample acquisition. The second fluidics path is driven
under positive air pressure and supplies sheath fluid to the cuvette
and sample path.
Excitation
The excitation system in the Luminex 100 analyzer involves two
solid-state lasers. A reporter laser excites fluorescent molecules
bound to biological reactants at the xMAP microsphere surface, and
a classification laser excites fluorochromes embedded in the xMAP
microsphere. The lasers illuminate the xMAP microspheres as they
flow single file through the cuvette. RP1 refers to the excitation
wavelength. CL1 and CL2 refer to the dyes embedded in the
microsphere. DD refers to the channel that discriminates against
doublets based on size.
4