Luminex xMAP technology combines advanced fluidics, optics, and digital signal processing with proprietary microsphere technology to deliver multiplexed assay capabilities. The Luminex Systems are a series comprised of three instrument models—MAGPIX, Luminex 200 (LX200) and FLEXMAP 3D. These instruments utilize analyzers based on the principles of quantitative fluorescent microscopy or fluorescent flow cytometry and are designed to meet the needs of any size research laboratory.
Luminex instruments overview
MAGPIX
Simple, affordable and compact. This multiplexing unit performs up to 50 different tests in a single reaction volume with a plate read time of 60 minutes. Based on CCD imaging technology it is exclusive for its compactness and easy to use operation procedure.
MAGPIX Calibration and Verification
Learn how to run the calibration and verification steps on the MAGPIX instrument. These procedures are essential for maintaining optimal instrument performance.
Luminex MAGPIX System
Based on Luminex's proven xMAP Technology, this video will walk you through how the MAGPIX system works. This compact and affordable system uses a fluorescent-based detection system and can measure up to 50 different analytes in a single microtiter well and reads a 96-well-plate in just 60 minutes.
Unpacking MAGPIX
Learn how to properly unpack and assemble your MAGPIX System.
Preparing MAGPIX
Learn how to properly prepare you MAGPIX instrument after unpacking. This includes removing the shipping plug, installing the sample probe, and installing the drive fluid.
Powering Up MAGPIX
Learn the proper procedure to powering up your MAGPIX Instrument.
MAGPIX Sample Probe Height Adjustment
Sample probe height is critical to successful sample acquisition and calibration. In this video, learn how to adjust the sample probe height on the Luminex MAGPIX instrument.
MAGPIX Calibration and Verification Failures
Understand common reasons for failures of MAGPIX calibration and verification and learn how to troubleshoot the failures to get your instrument up and running again.
MAGPIX Probe Sonication
Learn how to perform the weekly sample probe maintenance procedure on the Luminex MAGPIX instrument that helps ensure your instrument is in good working condition.
MAGPIX Maintaining Instrument Fluids
Learn how to maintain the drive and waste fluids on the MAGPIX instrument.
Luminex 200
The industry standard. The standard instrument for multiplexing able to perform up to 80 different tests in a single reaction volume. The instrument is flow cytometry-based and capable of delivering fast and cost effective results.
LX200 Calibration and Verification
Learn how to run the calibration and verification on the LX200 instrument. These procedures are essential for maintaining optimal instrument performance.
LX200 Sample Probe Height Adjustment
Learn how to adjust the probe height on your LX200 instrument. Sample probe height is critical to successful sample acquisition and calibration.
LX200 Startup and Shutdown Procedures
Learn about the correct processes of starting up and shutting down the LX200 instrument. The startup and shutdown maintenance routines are both part of the daily maintenance schedule. Performing these routines maintains a clean instrument to help ensure accurate results.
LX200 System Flush Procedure
The LX200 fluidics lines and chamber need to be kept clean by flushing the system once per week and is part of the recommended weekly maintenance schedule. Watch this video to learn about the procedure for flushing the LX200 system.
FLEXMAP 3D
Speed and throughput. Most advanced and multifunctional multiplex unit for simultaneous measurement of up to 80 tests in a single reaction volume, compatible also for 384-well plates.
FLEXMAP 3D System Initialization
Learn how to run the system initialization routine for the FLEXMAP 3D. This is the first task you will run after powering on the instrument and prepares the system for use. The steps include warming the laser, checking for fluidics carryover, daily performance verification, and the weekly calibration.
FLEXMAP 3D System Overview
Learn about the FLEXMAP 3D system, Luminex’s most advanced and versatile multiplexing platform. Fast read time, compatibility with both 96- and 384-well plates, and ease of integration with front-end automation systems make the FLEXMAP 3D system the platform of choice for high throughput applications.
FLEXMAP 3D Probe Height Adjustment for 384-well Plates
Correct sample probe height is critical to successful calibration and sample acquisition. This video demonstrates the correct use of probe height adjustment tool when calibrating the probe height for a 384-well mylar or filter bottom plates on the FLEXMAP 3D system.
FLEXMAP 3D System Shutdown Procedure
In this video, you will learn how to run the shutdown routine on the FLEXMAP 3D system. The shutdown routine will clean and flush fluidics, prevent clogs and crystallization of salt in the fluidics and/or sample probe, and help ensure proper performance of the FLEXMAP 3D system.
FLEXMAP 3D Cleaning the Sample Probe
Watch this video to recognize clogged probe indicators with your FLEXMAP 3D instrument. Learn about how to remove the clogged probe, clean the probe, reinstall and recalibrate the instrument to ensure proper acquisitions.
FLEXMAP 3D Clog Removal
Learn how to perform a clog removal routine on your FLEXMAP 3D system to prevent clogs in the fluid lines and sample probe.
Comparison of Luminex instruments
 Efficient and compact in size |
 The versatile, efficient standard in multiplexing |
 High-throughput, multiplex, automation compatible |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| MAGPIX System | LX200 System | FLEXMAP 3D System | |
| Optics | LED/CCD camera | Lasers/APDs/PMTs | Lasers/APDs/PMTs |
| Hardware | Fluorescent imager | Flow cytometry based | Flow cytometry based |
| Software | xPonent 4.3 | xPonent 4.3 | xPonent 4.3 |
| Applications | Protein/Nucleic Acid | Protein/Nucleic Acid | Protein/Nucleic Acid |
| Bead compatibility | Magnetic | Magnetic/polystyrene | Magnetic/polystyrene |
| Multiplex capacity | 50 | 100 | 500 |
| Read time (96-well plate) | ~ 60 min | ~ 40 min | ~ 20 min |
| Dynamic range | 3.5 logs | 3.5 logs | 4.5 logs |
| Sensitivity | Detect ≤ 700 PE fluorochromes per xMAP microsphere | Detect 1,000 PE fluorochromes per xMAP microsphere | |
| Microtiter plate | 96 well | 96 well | 96 and 384 well |
| Weight (Analyzer) | 17.5 kg(38.5 lbs) | 49 kg (113 lbs) | 77.1 kg (170 lbs) |
| Magnetic 96-well Separator | Cat. No. EPX-55555-000 | ||
Luminex technology
Luminex instrumentation
Luminex instrumentation is comprised of three instrument models—MAGPIX, LX200 and FLEXMAP 3D. These instruments are based on either the principles of quantitative fluorescent microscopy or fluorescent flow cytometry. The multiplex quantitation capability of an assay is dependent upon instrument model, and ranges from 50 analytes with use of the MAGPIX, to 500 analytes with the FLEXMAP 3D. Used in combination with ProcartaPlex, the Luminex platform delivers fast and cost-effective immunoassay profiling analysis.
The Luminex System is a series of three instruments that flexible analyzer based on the principles of quantitative fluorescent microscopy or fluorescent flow cytometry that is designed to meet the needs of any size research laboratory. The multiplex system allows for the simultaneously measurement of up to 80 different analytes from a single microplate well, using very small sample volumes. The system delivers fast and cost-effective immunoassay profiling and gene expression analysis through the multiplex quantitative measurement and detection of protein, RNA, and DNA.
The Luminex System is the combination of three core xMAP technologies. The first is xMAP microspheres, a family of 100 fluorescently dyed 5.6 magnetic microspheres (beads) and 5.6 micron-sized polystyrene microspheres. Both bead types act as both the target identifier and the solid surface capture to build the assay. The second is a fluorescent imaging and flow cytometry-based instruments, the Luminex Magpix and LX200/FLEXMAP 3D analyzer, respectively, which integrates key xMAP detection components such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a CCD camera or lasers, optics, advanced fluidics and high-speed digital signal processors. The third component is the assays that are designed around the microspheres.
MAGPIX
More recently Luminex introduced the MAGPIX system which is based on the principles of fluorescence imaging. Lasers and Photo Multiplying Tubes (PMTs) were replaced with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and a CCD camera to deliver a cost effective, compact, and reliable multiplexing platform. The compact MAGPIX instrument is capable of simultaneously measuring and quantitating up to 50 analytes in a single microtiter well when used with magnetic micropsheres (beads) (described above). The MAGPIX instrument is ideal for low to medium-throughput labs for the quantitative analysis of proteins, RNA, and DNA in a variety of sample matrices.
LX200 and FLEXMAP 3D
The LX200 and FLEXMAP 3D reader combines two lasers, fluidics, and real-time digital signal processing to distinguish up to 80 different sets of color-coded magnetic microsphere beads, each bearing a different assay. The Luminex reader is an essential tool that performs the key functions of this multiplex technology:
Fluidics
The reader detects individual beads by flow cytometry. The fluidics system of the reader aligns the beads into single file as they enter a stream of sheath fluid and then enter a flow cell. Once the beads are in single file within the flow cell, each bead is individually interrogated for bead color (analyte) and assay signal strength (PE fluorescence intensity).
Lasers
The reader uses a 532 nm green laser ("assay" laser) is used to excite the PE dye of the assay (streptavidin-PE). The 635 nm solid state laser (red "classify" laser) is used to excite the dyes inside the beads to determine their "color" or "region" and is also used for doublet discrimination by light scatter.
Detectors
The reader has four detectors, one for each of the optical paths shown in the figure below. Detectors are used to measure the fluorescence of the assay, to make bead determination (1-100) and the last to discriminate between single and aggregate beads.
Hand-Held magnetic plate washer for magnetic bead assays
We have developed a proprietary hand-held magnetic plate washer (Cat. No. EPX-55555-000, sold separately) to simplify the bead wash process.
xPONENT software
xPONENT software is a modular, flexible, software package for control of the MAGPIX, 200, and FLEXMAP 3D systems, offering:
- Intuitive graphical user interface for simplified workflow
- Automated startup, shutdown, and routine maintenance operations
- Enhanced data analysis and report generation capabilities
- 21 CFR Part 11 ready
- Automation and LIS connectivity
xPONENT software benefits:
- Modular and flexible—Designed for ease of use, xPONENT software allows novice, occasional, and advanced users set up and run assays in minimal amounts of time.
- User customization—The default graphical user interface follows a typical assay workflow, and it can be customized to meet the needs of individual laboratories.
- Powerful data analysis—Industry-standard curve fitting models for quantitative analysis, allelic ratios for genotyping, and qualitative algorithms for immunology assays in addition to data visualization tools.
- xPONENT software support
If you require technical assistance with your xPONENT software for data acquisition and analysis, contact our Technical Support team or email LuminexFAS@thermofisher.com.
Accessory equipment, reagents, and services are available for use with assays run on Luminex systems, including sheath fluid, calibration kits, power cords, and extended warranties. We are committed to ensuring that you have all the necessary components you need to run successful Luminex protein quantitation assays on MAGPIX, LX200, or FlexMAP 3D Luminex systems.
The Magnetic 96-Well Separator is designed for fast and simple removal of supernatant from samples bound to magnetic particles and may be used manually or as an integrated part of an automated workstation. The Magnetic 96-Well Separator is an ideal tool for use in singleplex and multiplex biological assays based on the Luminex xMAP Technology. These assays make use of Luminex MagPlex or magnetic microspheres, and the MAGPIX, LX200, or FLEXMAP 3D instruments.
Find additional accessories by category:
Invitrogen Luminex multiplex assays
ProcartaPlex multiplex immunoassays
ProcartaPlex multiplex immunoassays enable simultaneous detection of up to 65 protein targets from complex biological matrices.
QuantiGene plex gene expression assays
QuantiGene Plex gene expression assays enable multiplexing of up to 80 RNA targets from a single lysate sample.
Biomarker quantitation assay guide
This 72-page guide provides detailed information about different tools for protein and RNA quantitation. Download this valuable technical resource that covers technologies useful for cancer and inflammation research, immunology, neurology and more. Learn more about how antibody pairs, ELISA kits, and multiplex kits for the Invitrogen Luminex platform may help advance your research.
Resources
Access Luminex instruments and multiplex assays and a targeted collection of resources for multiplex applications:
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Handbooks and Guides
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