Biomarker Expertise and Capabilities

Our Solutions PPD Laboratory Services Biomarker Capabilities Biomarker Expertise and Capabilities

Flow cytometry and cell-based assays

PPD™ Laboratory Services’ biomarker lab has access to industry-leading instrumentation in both the bioanalytical and central labs. The biomarker lab can accommodate everything from research assays to fully validated assays with CAP/CLIA, GLP and GCLP compliance. The lab also provides training to clinical sites on proper sample processing for complex procedures, such as phospho-flow and activation assays. The biomarker lab has experience with various sample types including whole, frozen and lysed blood, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The test menu includes routine cell surface assays and intracellular assays.

Key instrumentation:

BD FACSCanto™ II
BD FASCLyric™
CTL Immunospot Reader
BD FACSCanto™ II
BD FASCLyric™
Cytek® Northern Lights
CTL Immunospot Reader

Learn more about the cell-based assay capabilities of the PPD Laboratory services' central lab

Ligand-binding assays

PPD Laboratory services’ biomarker lab offers traditional ELISA, electrochemiluminescence and microfluidics-based ELISA. We work in consultation with customers to develop a tiered approach to validation depending on the needs of the program or phase of development of the biomarker.

Our biomarker experts are in close contact with the various lab locations to ensure integration and a smooth transition of assays and technology during development of the biomarker program.

Key instrumentation:

Meso Scale Discovery® (MSD®) Technology
ELISA – Molecular devices Spectramax
Protein Simple Ella Simple Plex™ System
Quanterix™ SiMoA HD-X Analyzer™
SMCxPro – Single Molecule Counting
Tecan Spark multimode reader (Abs/Lum/Flu)
Bioplex 200
Tecan EVO and Hamilton instruments

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

The biomarker lab is equipped with exceptional liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) instrumentation to support biomarker method development and validation. Our experienced scientists, with knowledge of the current perspectives in biomarker assay validation, work with customers to develop a customized solution, which includes novel and routine biomarker assays. We maintain multiple LC-MS technologies, including triple quadrapoles, HPLC, UHPLC and multi-dimensional chromatography.

Molecular genomics

PPD Laboratory services has a custom-built, spacious, leading-edge molecular genomics suite in Richmond, Virginia. The suite of labs is designed with the appropriate engineering and procedural controls to minimize the risk of reagent and sample contamination.

It includes:

Restricted access main entrance

Central gowning laboratory that services the main suite

Directional airflow and pressure control

100% exhaust biosafety cabinets

Full (clean room style) gowning

Whole room UV decontamination system

Interlocked portals for transport of samples in and out of the room

Industry-leading environmental monitoring system

Biomarker Expertise and Capabilities

Flow cytometry and cell-based assays

Key instrumentation:

Ligand-binding assays

Key instrumentation:

Immunohistochemistry

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Key instrumentation:

Molecular genomics

Key instrumentation:

Our biomarker lab will offer profiling of tumor and plasma samples using Oncomine assays on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Genexus Platform. The Oncomine assays can provide:

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