MSD Analysis vs. Other Analytical Lab Testing: Which is Better?

Today, immunoassays have gained popularity for analyzing analytes in complex biological matrices. There are numerous factors researchers and drug developers consider while selecting and developing a bioanalytical assay. These factors include sample matrix, assay sensitivity, and the analyte of interest. Each assay type has its unique advantages. Hence, understanding the benefits and limitations of different assay types can help researchers select an ideal platform for the intended research applications. Therefore, the current article studies several analytical tests such as ELISA assay, flow cytometry analysis, antibody array, LC-MS testing, and ELIspot and compares them with a robust MSD analysis.

Different analytical lab testing

ELISA assays are  the most commonly used functional assays in drug development and biomedical studies. ELISA employs a primary capture antibody and a secondary detection antibody conjugated with an enzyme. Also, they are widely employed in pharmaceutical and biomedical studies.

However, ELISA assays have several limitations. Firstly, ELISA assays can detect only one analyte in a reaction mixture. Hence, it increases the cost of time and labor required for individual ELISA experiments. Secondly, they are not ideal for high throughput analysis. Lastly, it involves several washing steps, making it a lengthy process. 

Flow cytometry analysis is another method to measure analytes in complex study samples. They are ideally used in assessing intracellular and secreted biomarker analysis. This system employs fluidics, optics, lasers, and electronic detectors to measure light scatter and fluorescence emission. These features help qualify and evaluate numerous properties such as surface markers, cytotoxicity, and cell size. 

ELIspot is another effective technique for detecting analytes in study samples. This technique is both quantitative and quantitative. Currently, it is one of the most opted techniques for monitoring immune studies. ELIspot can detect and monitor cytokine secretion from antigen-specific and activated immunity cells. 

However, MSD assays are increasingly becoming the primary choice of bioanalytical testing. So, Let us now dive into an in-depth comparison between MSD analysis and ELISA assay. 

Meso Scale Discovery multiplex assay versus ELISA assay

Developing novel Meso Scale Discovery assays such as MSD cytokine multiplex assay is fast and reliable. Researchers can easily transfer existing ELISA assays onto the MSD platform in less than two days. Besides, higher sensitivity and broader dynamic range mean fewer study samples fall beyond the detection range. Some benefits of MSD assays are:

• Requires fewer samples

• Delivers precise and more sensitive results

• Handles complex study material

• Faster and similar protocols

• Quantify up to 10 different analytes per well

• Measure normal and elevated expression levels without multiple dilutions

Following is a detailed comparison between ELISA assays and MSD assays

Hence, MSD multiplex ELISA assays such as MSD cytokine and PK analysis have many advantages over traditional analytical lab tests.

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