Comparison of Labscan 200 and FlexMap 3D Luminex for Anti-HLA Antibodies Monitoring

The new Luminex model FlexMap 3D is progressively replacing the previous Luminex generation in HLA laboratories for the detection and identification of anti-HLA antibodies. FlexMap 3D Luminex promises a higher degree of sensitivity, which may lead to greater mean fluorescence intensities, depending on the anti-HLA beads kit supplier. Given that anti-HLA antibodies and potential donor specific antibodies monitoring rely on MFI variations, all kits routinely used and especially Single Antigen Beads assays must be compared. In the HLA Laboratory at Toulouse Hospital, we compared the two Luminex generations using LABScreen Mix, Panel Reactive Antibody and LABScreen Single Antigen from One Lambda and Lifecodes ID from Werfen suppliers. LABScreen Mix, Panel Reactive Antibodies and Single Antigen gave the same results with both Luminex platforms. It should be noted that a divider was applied to all results obtained with FlexMap 3D when using One Lambda kits, which enabled us to obtain comparable MFI. Lifecodes ID also showed a strong correlation with both Luminex instruments, but no divider was applied and higher MFI were attained on FlexMap 3D. Serial dilutions of two monoclonal antibodies also illustrated that MFI achieved with Single Antigen from Werfen on FlexMap 3D Luminex were closer to One Lambda values. All MFI obtained with One Lambda were virtually identical when using Labscan 200 or FlexMap 3D, allowing the switch to the new Luminex platform to be made without issue. MFI gained with Werfen was higher with FlexMap 3D Luminex, which increases sensitivity, and may facilitate MFI comparisons between the two suppliers.