Quantitative considerations for suspension array assays

A novel format of a multiplex microbead assay that is capable of accurately and reproducibly measuring small changes in 108 copies of a nucleic acid is reported herein. The dynamic range of the assay was 32-fold greater than conventional multiplex microbead assays. The assay was modeled mathematically which enabled the accuracy of DNA quantification to be formally analysed using a logical theoretical framework. The assay was also evaluated on RNA extracts taken from stimulated macrophages, to demonstrate that changes in gene expression can be accurately monitored in a biological system. We believe the reproducibility and accuracy of the assay presented herein will be useful for high-throughput, multiplex sensitive detection of nucleic acids over a large dynamic range in a research or diagnostic setting.