Opportunities for bead-based multiplex assays in veterinary diagnostic laboratories

Area of Science:

• Veterinary diagnostics
• Biotechnology
• Analytical chemistry

Background:

• Bead-based multiplex assays (BBMAs) enable simultaneous detection of numerous analytes in small sample volumes.
• While human applications are established, veterinary BBMAs are less common but offer significant advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review BBMA technology and its current applications in veterinary medicine.
• To highlight potential future developments and commercial availability of veterinary BBMAs.
• To provide examples from human diagnostics as templates for veterinary assay development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on BBMA technology.
• Analysis of commercially available and published veterinary-related BBMAs.
• Examination of human diagnostic BBMAs for potential veterinary adaptation.

Main Results:

• BBMAs can detect a wide range of analytes including cytokines, growth factors, pathogens, and antibodies.
• Potential veterinary applications include pathogen detection, genotyping, hormone measurement, disease surveillance, and vaccine assessment.
• Human diagnostic BBMAs serve as models for developing new veterinary assays.

Conclusions:

• BBMAs hold significant promise for advancing veterinary diagnostics and research.
• Further evaluation of cost, efficiency, and 'fit-for-purpose' is needed for veterinary assay development.
• Increased publication and commercial availability of veterinary BBMAs are anticipated.