Multiplexing and multivariate analysis in neurodegeneration

Limited sample volume is often an obstacle in clinical research and one way to circumvent this is to use multiplex techniques where several different analytes are simultaneously measured. There is a multitude of different platforms that can be used for multiplexing and their uniqueness and similarities will be described. Multivariate analysis is a powerful tool for extracting information from multiplex data. An introduction to one such algorithm is presented followed by examples from the literature, in the field of neurodegeneration, where multiplex and multivariate methods have been used.

► Multiplexing is an attractive option when much data is warranted from small sample volumes.
► There are several different platforms capable of multiplexing.
► Multivariate analysis is a powerful tool for analyzing multiplex data.
► Both methods are currently used in the search for new biomarkers.