Assay core services

Services and equipment for the Assay lab

Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), located within the University of Edinburgh, houses an Assay core service that specialises in optimising and validating immunoassays, running automated analysers for steroid and protein hormones, and biochemistry analytes. Operated by Dr Kirsten Wilson expert advice on sample collection, matrices and volumes required for analysis, quality control and interpretation of results is also available. For costing information see our prices and booking page (EASE login required). 

Sample types

Samples are primarily human or mouse serum or plasma, but analysis of saliva and urine from a range of mammalian species (giant panda, polar bear, elasmobranchs, tiger, koala) and TC media can also be analysed.

Progesterone and Estrogen metabolites

Hormones

Molecular diagram of Cortisol and Androgens (Testosterone and DHEA)

Any of the listed steroid hormone or protein reagents that can be purchased for a Roche e402 analyser:

 Visit the Roche website for their assay menu

Additionally, commercially purchased ELISA kits can be tested and run by the service at a cost.

Steroid Hormones by 'in-house' ELISA

  • Progestogens
  • Cortisol
  • Testosterone
  • DHEA/DHEA-S
  • Estrogens (E1G)

Biochemistry Analytes

A selection of liver and kidney function tests along with lipid tests are available as standard for testing on the Randox Daytona+, including albumin, ALP, AST, ALT, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides. 

Available equipment

We offer access to the Luminex DRSE (Dual Reporter System Engine), a high-throughput multiplexing platform that enables the simultaneous quantification of multiple protein analytes within a single sample. This bead-based technology is ideal for biomarker profiling, cytokine analysis, and studies where sample volume is limited.

The system uses proprietary colour-coded microspheres (beads), each coupled to a specific capture antibody. Unique dye ratios allow individual analytes to be identified and quantified within complex samples.

Using Luminex xPONENT software, the system generates standard curves and calculates analyte concentrations for all targets within each sample.

Bespoke analyte panels can be developed in consultation with Dr Kirsten Wilson.

Luminex DR-SE system for multiplex analysis of proteins and biomarkers using bead-based assays.

We offer access to the Randox Daytona+, a fully automated, benchtop clinical chemistry analyser designed for the rapid and reliable quantification of a broad range of biochemical parameters. The system supports high-throughput analysis of serum, plasma, urine, and cell or tissue culture supernatants, making it suitable for both research and translational applications.

Please check our full list of available tests.

The model we have does not contain the ISE unit, thus the following tests are not available: Sodium, potassium and chloride.

Randox Daytona+ analyser on the lab bench, showing sample tray, touchscreen interface, and reagent compartments.

We offer access to the cobas e402, an automated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay analyser for the quantitative measurement of a broad range of analytes. These include hormones, cardiac markers, infectious disease markers, tumour markers, and therapeutic drug levels.

By utilising the same assay kits used in hospital-based laboratories, data generated on the cobas e402 have direct relevance to clinical workflows, making this platform particularly well suited to translational research and clinical trial studies.

Roche Cobas e402 immunoassay analyser displaying the sample carousel, touchscreen control panel, and reagent compartments

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