Microarray method for multiplex and serial latex agglutination tests with digital image registration

A microarray analytical system for performing tests of latex agglutination reaction in microformat with digital image registration was developed. The system allows the application of latex microdrops to the surface of the carrier in the form of a regular microarray and mixing of the latex droplets with the individual samples in each droplet of the microarray. The reaction is performed in a total mixture volume of about 1 microl for each of 30 samples simultaneously with video registration and interpretation of the results using a scanning device and specially developed software. The results of the semi-quantitative determination of C-Reactive Protein, Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-Streptolysin O concentrations by traditional macro- and proposed micro-arrayagglutination method were compared with the immunoturbidimetric measurements used as reference method. It was concluded that the suggested method for performing latex agglutination reactions on the basis of a microarray approach with digital image evaluation of results can provide a high throughput and reliable results and also offers significant advantages to the traditional latex agglutination tests with visual interpretation. Comprehensive documentation and objectification of readouts show a siginificant improvement to the present methodology.