Bead-based flow cytometry (xMAP® and xTAG® Technology, Luminex Corporation) is a
recently developed technology that allows for simultaneous quantification of multiple antibodies,
antigens or oligonucleotides in a single sample. The newest generation of analyzers allow multiplexing
of up to 500 unique tests within a single sample, which renders this technique much less timeconsuming
than conventional testing methodsologies. Numerous applications have already been
developed for this technology in both medical microbiological research and diagnosis, with the number
of reported applications still growing rapidly. Bead-based flow-cytometry has already firmly
established itself as a supplemental and/or alternative technology to the more traditional routine
diagnostic and research microbiology test platforms.
Keywords: Flow Cytometry, Luminex, XMap, Bead-based, Median Intensity Fluorescence, Immunity.
