FAQ

For sample analysis with Olink PEA technology (Target 96/Target 48/Explore/Focus/Flex), we have not yet found a satisfactory method that can remove the formalin while keeping the protein structure intact.

A small addition of PEG (up towards 2.5%) should not be an issue for the analysis of the samples. It might however increase the background somewhat, and we would therefore recommend adding a blank sample consisting of pure buffer.

With one Signature Q100 system you can run up to three runs per day, using Olink Target 96, Olink Target 48, Olink Flex or Olink Focus.

Results from Analysis Service for the Olink Explore products will typically be delivered within 4-8 weeks after all required documentation (e.g. agreement and sample form) and receiving your samples. Larger studies need to be discussed separately.

We have Analysis Service laboratories in both Uppsala, Sweden and Boston, MA. Detailed information regarding the shipment of samples to Olink can be found in Samples Guidelines that you will receive when signing an agreement with Analysis Service.

Olink Analysis Service operates according to written SOPs and quality practices that incorporate applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17025; however, the PEA test method is not ISO/IEC 17025 accredited. Clinical trial samples are analyzed in accordance with applicable GCP requirements, but this does not change the RUO intended use of Olink™ products or qualify the results for diagnostic use or patient management.

Commonly known pre-analytical factors, such as time before and after collection, shipping and handling, can affect sample quality. To minimize the risk of these factors influencing the results, we strongly recommend that all samples included in a study be treated in the same way before analysis with Olink panels and preferably document the conditions under which the samples were collected, handled and shipped. To read more about pre-analytical variations, please see our white paper “Pre-analytical variation in protein biomarker research” which can be found on the Documents page.

Olink Insight’s Study Size Calculator can help to determine recommended number of samples and estimated power based on study design, product, and anticipated effect sizes.

Olink Explore is fully validated for human plasma and serum samples.

Many other sample types, for example CSF, have been shown to be compatible with the technology. For more information, please contact our support team.

Engaging with Analysis Service will include a streamlined journey guided by our experts from the initial consultation to a comprehensive report and access to your quality controlled results. Post-analysis support is also available. Visit the Analysis Service page for more details.

When composing new panels we gather information from widely used public-access bioinformatic databases, including Uniprot, Human Protein Atlas, Gene Ontology (GO), ChEMBL and the test mining tool TenWise. We also include biomarkers requested by customers. If the panel is developed for a specific disease area or key biological process, we collaborate with key opinion leaders.

Each Olink panel is optimized for the expected physiological and pathological ranges found in human plasma and serum for the biomarker assays included. A few of our Target 96 panels are designed to be run diluted (from 1:10 up to 1:2025) so as to fit the physiological ranges within the measurable ranges of our assays, these dilutions are a part of the assay, and no pre-dilution is necessary.

These dilutions are set with human plasma and serum in mind, so when running other sample matrices, these dilutions may need adjustment depending on the expected protein concentrations in the specific matrix.

To determine the optimal dilutions for a specific matrix, please contact our support team.

Our general recommendation is 0.5 mg/mL for tissue or cell culture lysates. 1 mg/mL would also be acceptable. It may be advisable to run a dilution study first if either i) you are planning on running a large study, ii) the specific tissue or sample prep procedure is untested, or iii) you want to ensure that specific protein assays are within their dynamic range. Please contact our support team for more detailed information on number of samples needed and which dilutions should be included.

Yes, in addition to our own fee-for-service offering, we also partner with other providers in a number of countries. Visit the Service Providers page for the latest information.

Data pre-processing is conducted in Olink NPX Signature including both QC steps and NPX generation, please see the NPX Signature product page for more information.

Inter-plate normalized NPX is derived from the Ct values obtained from the qPCR using the following equations at per assay level:

Relate to Extension Control:
CtAnalyte – CtExtension Control = dCtAnalyte

Relate to Inter-plate Control:
dCtAnalyte – median(dCt Inter-plate Control) = ddCtAnalyte

Convert from qPCR reciprocal to proportional scale using an assay specific correction factor:
Correction factor – ddCtAnalyte = NPXAnalyte

NPX is on a 2-log scale and calculated per assay. This implies that a NPX difference of 1 equals a duplication of protein level and that NPX values should only be compared within the same assay and not across assays. Moreover, it is not recommended to linarize NPX values, rather delta NPX values should be analyzed across groups. Due to the definition of NPX and logarithm laws this metric is analogous to log-2-fold-chang which is a metric familiar to many users.

As a relative quantification method NPX values should not be compared across plates or projects prior to normalization. Normalization across plates is conducted in the NPX software prior to data delivery. However, inter project normalization needs to be conducted in a subsequent step before analyzing data generated in two separate projects. Typically Olink recommend overlapping reference sample normalization (i.e. bridge normalization) for normalization across projects, please see our tutorial on bridge normalization.

For more information see our white paper “Data normalization and standardization“ which can be found on the documents page

A short presentation of each protein, as well as links to external databases can be found using the “Olink protein biomarker search”  on the website.

Please contact a sales representative to design your ideal analysis setup and optimal number of samples.

Contact your sales representative to place an order.

You can either purchase the Olink panels as kits and run them in your own suitably equipped and trained lab , or send your samples to our Sample Analysis Service (Explore HT). This option is provided both by our in-house Analysis Service teams in Boston or Uppsala, or by one of our growing list of trained service providers around the world.

Read about Olink Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) here.

For the latest information and questions about the instruments needed for Olink Explore, please contact our support team.