The National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposed the "BIPED" biomarker classification. BIPED; B : Burden of disease, I: Investigative, P: Prognosis, E: Efficacy of treatment and D: Diagnosis. The BIPED classification provides specific biomarker definitions with the goal of improving our ability to develop and analyze osteoarthritis biomarkers, and to communicate these advances within a common framework. (Bauer et al, 2006, PubMed)
If your samples have been kept in good conditions, yes we can carry out biomarker testing. Because some biomarkers are more sensitive to long-term storage and freeze / thaw cycles, we will discuss with you the most relevant biomarkers to measure for your study.
This will depend on the number of samples to test as well as on the type and number of analyzed biomarkers. A good start is to consider 1 day for testing and 0,5 days for quality control per biomarker for each run of 70 to 120 samples.
When available, we always use the controls proposed by the kit manufacturers. We verify that control values obtained for all assays are well within the expected range and that the inter-assay variability is acceptable. Where possible, we also add "sentinel" samples, which are samples of the study of interest that we test from plate to plate to evaluate inter-assay reproducibility. Each plate or sample that is not conform will be re-assayed.
We perform regular enzyme immunoassays (ELISA) where an analyte is specifically recognized by an antibody. A secondary antibody coupled to an enzyme then releases a colored component which is quantitated by spectroscopy. We also offer MSD's Multi-array immuno-enzymatic technique which combines the use of multi-spot plates - allowing the simultaneous detection of several analytes - and electrochemiluminescence.
Artialis has exclusive access to biomarkers of cartilage degradation Coll2-1 and its nitrated form Coll2-1NO2. In addition, Artialis provides commercially available biomarkers to assess cartilage degradation, Inflammation, Bone remodeling, and Matrix dizorganization. Virtually, any commercial kit may be included in the portfolio if the kit satisfies to internal validation procedures.