FAQ

One Olink Target 96 kit contains reagents sufficient to analyze 90 samples, plus 6 controls (triplicate negative and interplate controls). We highly recommend adding a sample control (e.g. pooled plasma) run in duplicate for e.g. calculation of CV. Inclusion of a sample control is standard practice when samples are sent to our Analysis Service labs.
Inclusion of the duplicate external sample controls will of course reduce the number of individual samples that can be measured by each kit to 88.

Dynamic range is the area between the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and upper limit of quantification (ULOQ). Within this area, quantification is possible with good accuracy and precision.

The analytical measuring range is defined by the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and upper limit of quantification (ULOQ).

To set this cut-off, Olink has analyzed 2000 EDTA-plasma samples, and the results showed that 99.7% of all samples ended up between these limits for our internal controls.

Additionally, samples that deviated by more than +/- 0.3 NPX showed differences that affected data quality.

0.3 NPX equals a CV of 15%, so in other words, samples can differ by 30% from each other and still pass the quality control. For more information, refer to our white paper “Data normalization and standardization” which can be found on the Documents page.

A sample getting a Sample QC Warning in one out of several Target panels may have multiple reasons such as a technical or sample related issue. Please consult our support team.

The throughput strongly depends on the number of instruments, operators and organization in your laboratory. With one Signature Q100 system it is possible run up to 3 runs per day, using Olink Target 96, Olink Target 48, Olink Flex or Olink Focus. For guidance on how to increase throughput, please consult our support team.

Yes, Olink Target 48, Olink Flex, and Olink Focus panels include three internal controls for quality control and data normalization. They enable technical control of each step in the PEA, as outlined below

• Incubation Control: Non-human antigen (GFP) with matching probes for data quality control and monitoring all steps of the run.
• Extension Control: IgG antibodies with matching oligo pairs for data normalization and monitoring the extension reaction, amplification and detection-step of the run.
• Detection Control: Synthetic double-stranded DNA for data quality control and evaluating final amplification and detection step of the run

The sample consumption for Olink Explore HT is ~2 µL. The sample volume used for Olink Explore 384 is ~1 µL per panel and the total sample consumption for Olink Explore 3072 is 6 µL. The sample preparation instruments require extra sample volume (dead volume). For our fee-for-service we ask you to ship a minimum of 40 µL of sample for Olink Explore HT and Olink Explore 384, and 80 µL of sample for Olink Explore 3072. This is to minimize possible evaporation effects etc. during the shipping process. Please note that we can, on request, return the remaining sample volume to you.

The assays in our Olink panels use antigen affinity-purified polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, or combinations of both.

When you order a kit from Olink, the shelf life will be at least 3 months. If you require a longer shelf life, please discuss this with your sales representative before placing an order.

The expiry date of the kit is communicated in the Lot Configuration document or in the Certificate of Analysis provided with the shipment documentation.

Please store the different kit boxes at the recommended temperature specified on each box.

When you order a kit from Olink, the shelf life will be at least 3 months. If you require a longer shelf life, please discuss this with your sales representative before placing an order.

Please store the different components at their recommended temperatures, as specified in the kit documentation.

In general, Explore HT uses the same instrumentation as Explore 384/3072. For more information, please contact our support team.

IL6 and IL8 (CXCL8) are included in CARDIO, ONC, NEURO and INF panels, while IDO1, LMOD1 and SCRIB are included in CARDIO II, ONC II, NEURO II and INF II panels. These assays are used as extra controls to compare the panels. Each overlapping assays is measured 4 times in an Olink Explore 3072 run.

Olink Explore HT measures ~5400 biomarkers. An Explore 384 kit contains about 368 protein biomarkers, while an Explore 3072, which consists of eight Explore 384 panels, measures about 2925 proteins in parallel. The remaining positions in the kit are used as controls.

The majority of the assays included in Explore 3072 are also included in Explore HT.

This kit size provides a more high throughput workflow and better utilization of the flow cells used for sequencing.

No overlapping assays are reported for Olink Explore HT. Overlapping assays present in multiple panels or blocks are designed to capture technical variations between panels or blocks during the run. In the Explore HT workflow, all blocks are prepared and sequenced
simultaneously; therefore, correlation assays have very limited utility in evaluating block-to-block
variation.

Olink Explore contains three types of internal controls spiked into our assay that monitor every step of the procedure.

• Incubation Control: PEA assay for non-human proteins which monitor potential variation across all steps, and used in data QC.
• Extension Control: An antibody molecule with both DNA-oligos attached and therefore always in proximity. This controls for the extension, library preparation and sequencing steps and is also used for data normalization purposes.
• Amplification Control: A synthetic double-stranded amplicon which controls the library preparation and sequencing step of the protocol and used in data QC.

Reverse pipetting improves precision with smaller volumes and viscous solutions. For instructions on how to perform reverse pipetting, please refer to relevant product user manual.

Most standard total protein measurement assays (e.g. Lowry, Bradford, BCA, Nanodrop etc) can be used to normalize cell or tissue lysates prior to analysis with Olink. Ensure that the protein measurement method used is compatible with your selected lysis buffer.