Evaluation of a Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Tumor Markers Using a Multiplex Suspension Bead Array.

Objective: To achieve higher tumor detection efficiency, we evaluated a multiplex assay for TM analysis based on the Luminex-100 multiplex suspension bead array.Design: The assay simultaneously determined the concentrations of nine TMs in 1114 human serum specimens (546 patients with tumors, 158 patients with non-tumor inflammatory diseases, and 410 normal controls). The nine TMs were AFP, CEA, CA125, CYFRA 21-1, CA242, f-PSA, t-PSA, NSE and free beta-hCG. The multiplex suspension bead assays were compared with conventional methods used in clinical laboratories.Results: The Luminex assay has the same levels of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the prediction of positive tumor specimens as conventional methods.Conclusion: Multiplex suspension bead arrays have promising applications in clinical laboratories. (C) 2012 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.