Proteomics
From thousands of proteins to one exact number.
Two complementary approaches under one roof: high-plex protein biomarker discovery with the Olink Proximity Extension Assay, and targeted or discovery proteomics by SCIEX mass spectrometry. We help you choose — and run — the right one.
Olink · Proximity Extension Assay
Measure the proteome, not just a handful of proteins
The Olink PEA pairs each protein with two antibodies carrying complementary DNA oligonucleotides. Only when both bind the same protein do the oligos hybridise and become a DNA reporter — which is then counted by NGS or qPCR. The double-recognition design gives exceptional specificity: across the panel, the large majority of assays show no cross-reactivity.
It is the technology behind population-scale studies such as the UK Biobank pharma proteomics project — ideal when you want a broad, sensitive readout from a tiny sample across many subjects.
- Up to ~5,400 proteins from as little as 2 µL of plasma or serum.
- Relative quantification (NPX) with strong specificity and low sample use.
- Scales cleanly from a focused panel to whole-proteome discovery.
Olink platforms
- Explore HT
- ~5,400 proteins · NGS readout
- Target 96 / 48
- Curated disease panels
- Flex
- Custom 5–30 of ~200 assays
- Sample
- From 2 µL plasma / serum
Not sure which plex you need? We size the panel to your hypothesis and budget.
SCIEX · Mass spectrometry
Targeted precision and discovery depth
Mass spectrometry identifies and quantifies proteins, peptides and small molecules directly — no antibodies required. We run two complementary SCIEX systems so a project can move from broad discovery to a locked-down, absolutely quantified assay.
SCIEX Triple Quad 7500
A QTRAP-ready triple quadrupole for highly sensitive targeted quantification (MRM): absolute concentrations against standards, detection into the parts-per-quadrillion range, and a dynamic range spanning several orders of magnitude. The workhorse for verifying and validating biomarker panels.
SCIEX ZenoTOF 7600
A high-resolution QTOF for discovery: DIA and DDA acquisition for deep proteome coverage, post-translational modifications, intact-protein and lipidomics / metabolomics workflows — when you need to find what you are not yet looking for.
At a glance
- Targeted quant
- MRM / MRM³ · absolute
- Sensitivity
- down to ~100 ppq
- Discovery
- DIA / DDA, PTMs
- Beyond protein
- lipids, metabolites
Software: SCIEX OS for acquisition, processing and reporting on one platform.
Choosing an approach
Olink or mass spectrometry?
They answer different questions and often work best in sequence — discover broadly with Olink, then confirm and absolutely quantify by MS.
| Consideration | Olink PEA | SCIEX mass spec |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplexing | Up to ~5,400 proteins | Tens to low hundreds (targeted); deep in discovery |
| Sample volume | From 2 µL | Higher; method-dependent |
| Quantification | Relative (NPX) | Absolute with standards |
| Needs antibodies | Yes (within the panel) | No |
| Novel / unexpected proteins | Within panel content | Yes (discovery DIA/DDA) |
| Beyond proteins | — | Lipids, metabolites, PTMs |
| Best at | Broad biomarker discovery at scale | Validation & precise quantification |
Sample requirements
What to send
Final requirements depend on platform and panel — these are starting points. Consistent collection and handling matter as much as volume, so talk to us before sampling if you can.
| Matrix | Typical input | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma / serum (Olink) | From 2 µL | Standardised collection advised |
| Plasma / serum (MS) | By method | Depletion / enrichment as needed |
| Cells / tissue | By arrangement | Lysis & prep handled in-house |
| CSF, urine, other | Case by case | Feasibility checked first |
Deliverables
What you receive
- Quantification matrix (NPX for Olink; concentrations or intensities for MS).
- Per-run and per-sample QC, with controls and flags.
- Optional statistics: differential abundance, grouping, visualisation.
- Methods, platform, panel and software versions documented.
- Raw instrument data on request; results you can export and own.
Questions
Proteomics FAQ
Can I start with Olink and confirm hits by mass spec?
Yes, and we often recommend it: cast a wide net with Olink, then build a targeted SCIEX 7500 assay to quantify the proteins that matter with absolute values.
Do you provide statistical analysis, or just data?
Either. Many clients take the quantification matrix and analyse it themselves; others ask us for differential abundance and visualisation. We scope this with you.
Can you also measure metabolites or lipids?
Yes — the ZenoTOF 7600 supports metabolomics and lipidomics workflows alongside protein discovery, which is useful for multi-omics studies.
How should I collect and store samples?
Reproducible results start at collection. Tell us your study and we will share a handling protocol — tube type, processing time and storage — before you begin.
Profiling proteins?
Describe your samples, the number of subjects and whether you need discovery or absolute quantification. We will recommend Olink, mass spec, or both.