[Skip to Content](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#main-content) [![MilliporeSigma](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/static/logos/purple/millipore_sigma.svg)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en) Products Cart0 USEN Products [Login / Register](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/oidc-sign-in) [Order Lookup](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/order-lookup) [Quick Order](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/quick-order) Cart0 [Home](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en)[MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays for Luminex® Instruments](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/milliplex-multiplex-assays-for-luminex-technology)Comparison of Luminex® Multiplexing Platforms: Choose the Best Multiplexing Platform For Your Research # Comparison of Luminex® Multiplexing Platforms: Choose the Best Multiplexing Platform For Your Research Luminex® xMAP® technology combines advanced fluidics, optics, and digital signal processing with proprietary microsphere technology to deliver both high density and high throughput multiplexed assay capabilities at the same time. As a Luminex® partner, we are a preferred distributor and offer the entire portfolio of Luminex® multiplexing instruments, including Luminex® 200™, FLEXMAP 3D®, and xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® platforms, covering the full range of multiplexing capabilities. Read below to learn more about xMAP® technology and see a comparison of the Luminex® multiplexing platforms. __Section Overview__ - [xMAP® Technology](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#xmap-technology) - [Comparing Luminex® Multiplex Platforms](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#comparing-luminex-multiplex-platforms) - [xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® System](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#xmap-intelliflex-system) - [Luminex® 200™ System](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#luminex-200-system) - [FLEXMAP 3D® System](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#flexmap-3d-system) - [Related Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#related-products) * * * ![Diagram showing how Luminex® multiplexing technology works for xMAP® bead-based immunoassays that can be analyzed using two types of instruments: flow cytometry-based analyzers and LED-based analyzer.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplexing-technology-analysis-diagram-new.jpg "Luminex® Multiplexing Technology Analysis") __Figure 1.__Luminex® multiplexing technology consists of xMAP® bead-based immunoassays that can be analyzed using two types of instruments: flow cytometry-based analyzers and LED-based analyzers. LED-based detection is used in compact multiplexing instruments like the MAGPIX® system (discontinued). ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)xMAP® Technology xMAP® technology makes use of labeled beads to detect multiple analytes from the same sample. Combined with [MILLIPLEX® assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/milliplex-multiplex-assays-for-luminex-technology), Luminex® instruments provide fast, reproducible, and reliable results which can be analyzed on [Belysa® software](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/services/software-and-digital-platforms/belysa-immunoassay-curve-fitting-software). ### Advantages of xMAP® Technology Compared to Other Immunoassay Methods Advantages of xMAP® technology over other traditional immunoassay methods include: - __Speed/High throughput:__ Simultaneously measure the concentration of a large number of different analytes in a single sample, enabling you to do your work faster, gaining early and comprehensive data so critical to your work. - __Accuracy:__ xMAP® technology generates real-time analysis and accurate quantification of antibody-antigen and nucleic acid interactions. - __Reproducibility:__ High-volume production of xMAP® microspheres allows assay standardization that solid-phased flat arrays cannot provide. - __Low sample volume:__ With minimal hands-on time, you can screen more than 40 analytes in a single sample using as little as 25 μL. - __Magnetic bead-based format:__ Responds rapidly and efficiently to a magnetic field, enabling better and faster washing techniques, including high-throughput options. ### How xMAP® Technology Works The Luminex® system is the combination of four core technologies: #### 1. xMAP® Microspheres 1. xMAP® magnetic bead microspheres are a family of 80 fluorescently dyed 6.45 µm magnetic microspheres that act as both the identifier and the solid surface to build the assay. 2. Traditional agarose microspheres are a family of 500 fluorescently dyed 5.6 µm polystyrene microspheres that act as both the identifier and the solid surface to build the assay. #### 2. Bead-Based Immunoassays 1. MILLIPLEX® multiplex assays consist of analyte-specific capture antibodies conjugated to xMAP® beads, enabling multivariate analysis of complex biological states, including metabolic disease, immunology, neurodegenerative disease, toxicity, cancer, and more, using minimal sample volumes. MILLIPLEX® assays are analytically verified for sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and wide dynamic range. Learn more in our [What Are MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplex-assay-technology) article. #### 3. Luminex® Detection Platforms 1. xMAP® INTELLIFLEX®, Luminex® 200™, and FLEXMAP 3D® systems: Flow cytometry-based instruments that integrate key xMAP® detection components, such as lasers, optics, advanced fluidics, and high-speed digital signal processors. #### 4. Software 1. xPONENT® software package for data acquisition. 2. [Belysa® software package](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/protein-biology/immunohistochemistry/monitoring-method-reproducibility-with-belysa-software) for sophisticated data analysis. * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Comparing Luminex® Multiplex Platforms Uncover which system is right for your research by comparing the Luminex® multiplexing platforms in __Table 1__. InstrumentLuminex® 200™FLEXMAP 3D®xMAP® INTELLIFLEX®xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® DRSE Prod. No.[40-012](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/40012)[40-014](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/40014)[INTELLIFLEX-RU0](https://www.emdmillipore.com/US/en/product/xMAP-INTELLIFLEX-RU0,MM_NF-INTELLIFLEX-RU0)[INTELLIFLEX-DRSE](https://www.emdmillipore.com/US/en/product/xMAP-INTELLIFLEX-DRSE,MM_NF-INTELLIFLEX-DRSE) SoftwarexPONENT® SoftwarexPONENT® SoftwarexMAP® INTELLIFLEX® Onboard SoftwarexMAP® INTELLIFLEX® Onboard Software OpticLasers/APDs/PMTsLasers/APDs/PMTsLasers/APDs/PMTsLasers/APDs/PMTs HardwareFlow Cytometry basedFlow Cytometry basedFlow Cytometry basedFlow Cytometry based Bead CompatibilityMagnetic and Non-MagneticMagnetic and Non-MagneticMagnetic and Non-MagneticMagnetic and Non-Magnetic Multiplex Capacity100 (80 for MagPlex® microspheres)500500500 Read Time96-well plate ~40 mins96-well plate ~20 mins 384-well plate ~75 min96-well plate ~20 mins 384-well plate ~75 min96-well plate ~20 mins 384-well plate ~75 min ApplicationsProtein/Nucleic AcidProtein/Nucleic AcidProtein/Nucleic AcidProtein/Nucleic Acid Dynamic Range≥3.5 logs≥4.5 logs≥5.5 logs≥5.5 logs (RP1) ≥4.5 logs (RP2) Microtiter Plate96-well96-well and 384-well96-well and 384-well96-well and 384-well Footprint (Linear Bench Space, including PC)115 cm x 60 cm x 50 cm110 cm x 62 cm x 63 cm58.4 cm W x 61 cm D x 76.2 cm H58.4 cm W x 61 cm D x 76.2 cm H Weight (Analyzer)49 kg (113 lbs)77.1 kg (170 lbs)54.4 kg (120 lbs)54.4 kg (120 lbs) Automation Compatible HardwareYes (front eject only)Yes (front eject only)Yes (front eject only)Yes (front and side eject) Data Analysis SoftwarexPONENT® basic + Belysa® softwarexPONENT® basic + Belysa® softwareBelysa® softwareBelysa® software CFR 21 Part 11YesYesYesYes AutomationYesYesYesYes SecurityYesYesYesYes LISYesYesYesYes DRSE = dual reporter side eject; RP = reporter Table 1.Luminex® instrument comparison. Although the MAGPIX® instrument has been discontinued, we still sell the supporting products for this system such as the [Drive Fluid PLUS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/4050030), [calibration kit](http://www.emdmillipore.com/US/en/product/%2CMM_NF-MPX-CAL-K25), and [performance kit](http://www.emdmillipore.com/US/en/product/%2CMM_NF-MPX-PVER-K25). ### For Research Use Only. Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures. * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® System The [xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® system](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/multiplex-detection-with-the-xmap-intelliflex-system) is the latest addition to Luminex® instrumentation. This compact system is a flow-based, multiplex platform that simplifies your workflow. By combining the established performance of xMAP® technology with advanced features, the new platform elevates your assay performance. There are two options for this system, the xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® model and the xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® DRSE model that has a second reporter, allowing you to get more data from each sample. ![INTELLIFLEX® instrument image of the xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® system, which has two models, the basic model and the INTELLIFLEX® DR-SE model. ](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/xmap-intelliflex-system.png "xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® System") __Figure 2.__xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® System ### INTELLIFLEX® Features INTELLIFLEX® features include: - Extensive assay portfolio - Wide dynamic range - Smaller size - User-friendly, flexible software - Dual reporter functionality - Easy analysis * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Luminex® 200™ System The Luminex® 200™ system provides a complete mid to high-range solution for rapid, accurate biomarker quantification. The Luminex® XY Platform (Luminex® XYP™ platform) complements the Luminex® 200™ system by automating the sequential positioning of each well of a microtiter plate. This enables you to perform a total of up to 9,600 unattended tests per plate in less than one hour. ![Image of the Luminex® 200™ system for rapid, accurate biomarker quantification.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-200-system.jpg "Luminex® 200™ System") __Figure 3.__Luminex® 200™ System ### Luminex® 200™ Advantages Advantages of the Luminex® 200™ system include: - __Flexible__ - Run both magnetic bead and non-magnetic bead immunoassays - __Multiplex__ - Up to 100 analytes per well of a 96-well microtiter plate in as little as 25 µL of sample - __Easy to use__ - User-friendly programming functions - __Scalable__ - Bar code reader included * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)FLEXMAP 3D® System The FLEXMAP 3D® system combines differentially dyed fluorescent microsphere sets with an innovative instrument design to enable precise, flexible, rapid multiplexing of up to 500 unique assays within a single sample. With automated probe height adjustment, simplified routine maintenance operations, and an intuitive software interface, the FLEXMAP 3D® system allows high-throughput multiplex quantification of protein and nucleic acid biomarkers. ![Image of the FLEXMAP 3D® system that enables precise, flexible, rapid multiplexing. ](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/flexmap-3d-system.jpg "FLEXMAP 3D® system.") __Figure 4.__FLEXMAP 3D® System ### FLEXMAP 3D® System Advantages Advantages of the FLEXMAP 3D® system: - __Automation/LIS compatibility__ - xPONENT® Software controls the FLEXMAP 3D® system and offers automated maintenance routines as well as interfacing options for Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and other automation platforms. - __Ultra-fast__ - Run 48,000 analytes in less than one hour. Dual sample fluidics paths and increased syringe injection speed facilitate a faster sample injection rate. - __96- and 384-well capability__ - Greater sample volume flexibility and increased throughput. - __Multi-functional__ – Perfect for running both protein and nucleic acid applications on the same instrument. - __Highest multiplexing__ - Each microsphere is impregnated with different amounts of three dyes. Monitoring the relative intensities of the three signals enables the system to discriminate up to 500 different microsphere sets. \*The FLEXMAP 3D® system is a class 1(l) laser product. * * * ### Related Products Product DescriptionProd. No. xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® RUO Instrument[INTELLIFLEX-RU0](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/intelliflexru0) xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® DRSE RUO Instrument[INTELLIFLEX-DRSE](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/intelliflexdrse) Luminex® 200™ Instrument[40-012](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/40012) FLEXMAP 3D® Instrument[40-014](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/40014) Sheath Fluid PLUS, 20L, RUO[40-50021](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/4050021) MAGPIX® Drive Fluid PLUS 4PK, RUO[40-50030](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/4050030) Sheath Concentrate PLUS, RUO[40-50023](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/4050023) Luminex® 200™ Instrument Calibration Kit[LX2RCAL-K25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/lx2rcal) Luminex® 200™ Instrument Performance Verification Kit[LX2RPVER-K25](https://www.emdmillipore.com/product/Luminex-200-Performance-Verification-Kit-25-uses,MM_NF-LX2RPVER-K25) MAGPIX® Instrument Calibration Kit[MPXCAL-K25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/mpxcal) MAGPIX® Instrument Performance Verification Kit[MPXPVER-K25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/mpxpver) FLEXMAP 3D® Instrument Calibration Kit[F3DCAL-K25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/f3dcal) FLEXMAP 3D® Instrument Performance Verification Kit[F3DPVER-K25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/f3dpver) xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® RUO Instrument Calibration Kit[IFX-CAL-K20](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/ifxcalk20) xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® RUO Instrument Performance Verification Kit[IFX-PVER-K20](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/ifxpverk20) Belysa® Immunoassay Curve Fitting Software[40-122](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/40122) [Request Info on Luminex® Instruments](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/campaigns/milliplex-request-info) ### For Research Use Only. Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures. __Related Articles__ - [How to Select Your Immunoassay Platform](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/how-to-select-your-immunoassay-platform) - [Overview of Luminex® Multiplex Assay Technology | MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/luminex-multiplex-assay-technology) - [Multiplex Detection with the xMAP® INTELLIFLEX® System](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/multiplex-detection-with-the-xmap-intelliflex-system) - [Comparing xMAP® Sheath Fluid PLUS to Sheath Fluid | MILLIPLEX® Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/comparing-xmap-sheath-fluid-plus-to-sheath-fluid) - [Tips & Tricks | Guide to Multiplexing | MILLIPLEX® Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/tips-tricks-guide-multiplexing-milliplex-assays) - [MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays FAQs](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/milliplex-multiplex-assays-faqs) - [Tips & Tricks | Equipment Settings & Data Analysis | MILLIPLEX® Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/equipment-settings-data-analysis-milliplex-multiplex-assays) - [Tips & Tricks | Immunoassay Protocols & Troubleshooting | MILLIPLEX® Assays](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/product-supporting/milliplex/tips-tricks-immunoassay-protocol-troubleshooting-advice) - [View More](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) __Related Product Categories__ - [MILLIPLEX® Multiplex Assays for Luminex® Instruments](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/protein-biology/immunoassay-platform-solutions/milliplex-multiplex-assays-for-luminex-technology) Top __Sign In To Continue__ To continue reading please sign in or create an account. 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