What is PEA? — Olink®

The solution

What are the challenges with protein biomarker analysis?

Understanding biology at the protein level requires data you can trust. As studies expand across more proteins, more samples, and more complex biological questions, protein analysis technologies must balance specificity, throughput, and sample efficiency.

Research challenge

Traditional protein analysis methods struggle to scale without tradeoffs. Sample volume limitations, cross-reactivity, and assay complexity confound confident interpretation.

How PEA technology helps

Unlike standard multiplexed immunoassays, PEA technology enables exceptional specificity at high multiplex levels, even from small sample volumes.

Technology

What is Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology?

The Proximity Extension Assay is a dual-recognition immunoassay that converts target recognition events into measurable qPCR or NGS signals. By translating protein detection into a DNA-based measurement, PEA technology blends the specificity of antibody-based assays with the scalability of DNA analysis.

How it works

How does PEA technology work?

Olink panels contain matched pairs of oligonucleotide-labeled antibodies for each target protein. When both antibodies bind to their target, the oligonucleotides are close enough to hybridize. An extension step then creates a unique double-stranded barcode used to detect and measure the target protein.

Specificity

How dual recognition supports confident protein measurement

With PEA technology, a detectable signal is generated only when two-matched, DNA-labeled antibodies bind the same target protein.

This dual-recognition design helps ensure that nonspecific antibody binding does not contribute to the final readout, even in high multiplexing levels.

Unique biomarkers5,400+
Targets with minimal cross-reactivity99.5%
Sample requirement≥1 µL

Capabilities

A reliable foundation for scalable proteomics

Generate high-quality protein measurements for diverse sample types and research needs with the flexibility to scale from high-throughput proteomics to targeted studies.

Consistency across panels

The robustness of PEA technology has been analyzed across Olink panels, with high concordance observed for shared proteins.

Scalable by study needs

PEA technology supports targeted analyses to highthroughput proteomics, enabling scaling without changing technology platforms.

Flexible readout options

Offering platform-agnostic qPCR and NGS readouts, PEA technology lets you choose a format that fits your study design, throughput needs, and lab infrastructure.

Minimal sample requirements

The DNA-based measurement of PEA technology enables accurate measurements from extremely small samples, as little as 1 µL.

Immuno reaction

Two matched antibodies labelled with unique DNA oligonucleotides simultaneously bind to a target protein in solution

Extension

Now in proximity, their DNA oligos hybridize and are extended by DNA polymerase, resulting in a DNA barcode unique for each protein.

Detection

This newly created DNA barcode is amplified by PCR generating a strong signal that can be measured by NGS or qPCR.

Access options

Bringing PEA technology into your research

Whether you are looking for full-service sample analysis, support from a Certified Service Provider, or want to run the assays in your own lab, you can access Olink solutions in a way that fits your study designs and infrastructure needs.

Set up in your own lab

Get expert training on setting up the entire Olink workflow in your lab.

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Olink analysis services

Access full-service sample analysis from Olink experts, tailored to your study design and research goals.

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Find a Service Provider

Discover the global network of Certified Service providers offering top-tier Olink services.

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Product portfolio

Access PEA technology across the Olink portfolio

The Olink platform offers a broad portfolio of PEA technology-powered solutions for protein biomarker studies, from large-scale discovery to focused, customizable analysis.

Olink™ Explore

Discover protein biomarkers at scale with flexible, high-throughput profiling for broad discovery, pilot studies, and large-population cohorts.

Relative

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Olink™ Reveal

Access cost-effective proteomics that fits into existing NGS workflows, offers broad coverage, and features simplified library prep and data analysis.