Assay Services

Assay Services is a service lab facility located at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center that provides cost-effective biomarker testing. Various methods are available to suit different research needs, including routine testing options, assay development, and collaboration. We have decades of project experience from pilot assay runs to large-scale and longitudinal studies.

Routine biomarker testing

Quantitative or qualitative measurement of biomarkers & drugs through high-sensitivity immunoassays and LC/MS/MS with multi-target (multiplex) options.

Biomarker types include:

• Steroids
• Hormones
• Proteins
• Peptides
• Bioamines
• Drug compounds
• Metabolites

Assay development

Development of new assays and/or modification of routine assays for new targets, sample types, and/or species. Immunoassay and LC/MS/MS options available.

Sample types include:

• Serum, Plasma, & Whole Blood
• Cell culture incl. PBMCs
• Tissue
• Urine
• Saliva
• CSF
• Breast Milk

Routine Services

• Multiplex analysis using the Luminex platform
• Liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using our Sciex QTRAP 5500 and our newly acquired Sciex 6500+. These platforms can be used for multi-analyte analysis of hormones and peptides
• High pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) used for quantitation of drugs and separation and of complex mixtures
• High pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) used for measurement of catecholamines
• Electrochemiluminescence using the Roche Cobas e411 platform for rapid turnaround of steroid hormones and commonly measured peptides in humans and NHPs
• In-house immunoassays for NHP-specific assays for peptides
• Commercially available immunoassays; we can perform immunoassays available from vendors, ensuring technical expertise and attention to validation parameters.
• Sample clean-up techniques including solid phase extractions, supported liquid extractions, and liquid-liquid extractions.