By Gabby Mora

xMAP^® Technology was designed to transform scientists’ ability to multiplex assays through the use of beads, and it has been more successful than our founders could ever have imagined, with >20,000 installations of xMAP platforms around the world. While that statistic gives us tremendous pride in our technology and the novel science it enables, the widespread use of xMAP Technology is also a responsibility we take very seriously. We know that researchers around the world count on us to deliver reliable tools and trustworthy results.

That sense of responsibility was top of mind as we developed our latest xMAP platform, the xMAP INTELLIFLEX^® System. Enhancements in this new tool include a dual reporter feature to double the data that can be generated from each experiment, plus powerful, user-friendly software. Along with the updated tech, we also created a dedicated team to support the xMAP INTELLIFLEX instrument and our customers. It includes representatives from a number of specialties within Luminex to ensure that we’re able to respond quickly to questions and requests while also rolling out new functionality to our users.

In this blog series, we’re introducing readers to members of that special xMAP INTELLIFLEX team. Today, we’ll meet Marianne Vruwink, Field Applications Specialist for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as Bobby Bhatia, Regional Business Manager for the central region in North America.

Q: What do you do to support the xMAP INTELLIFLEX System?

Marianne: I primarily test new software and other changes to the xMAP INTELLIFLEX System. Here in the Netherlands, we have a demonstration lab where we test everything from a customer’s perspective. My job is to be the eyes and ears of the customers, providing feedback to the xMAP INTELLIFLEX team. I work very closely with them, visiting customer sites and seeing how the system is behaving in their hands. If there’s a problem, I try to help find a solution.

Bobby: My job is to bridge the gap between the internal Luminex team and our xMAP end users. With over 14 years of Luminex instrument and assay experience, I spend a solid amount of time in the field visiting scientists and seeing how they invest in our technology, from academic/hospitals to CROs to biopharma companies. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from key scientists who are using our xMAP INTELLIFLEX System to solve their research problems, along with any feedback. I then communicate those key needs with our product management to gradually improve the system with new software enhancements.

Q: How does your team help drive improvements for the xMAP INTELLIFLEX System?

Marianne: We do that by striving for excellent customer support. One example is the major updates that have been made to the xMAP INTELLIFLEX Software to make it more customer-friendly. All the early feedback we received from the first software version has already been integrated into the latest update. Now, the feedback is that customers are happy with the software and its ease of use.

Bobby: I’m very excited about the long-term future of the xMAP INTELLIFLEX System, along with its growing strength. For example, I’m focused on how its current software compares to our own legacy xMAP systems as well as to competitive technologies. Since we know this is our future and we see the excitement from end users, we have to continue to make our software smoother than what our customers expect or are used to, and ensure that it makes their workflow successful. Our communication with end users to learn how xMAP is utilized in their projects leads to feedback that is vital for the xMAP INTELLIFLEX hardware/software development as well as durability. Our users are seeing benefits such as software ease-of-use and plate acquisition speed.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about the xMAP INTELLIFLEX System?

Marianne: I’m very happy with the edit parameters function. If you make a mistake, you can reacquire the data under modified parameters without running the plate again. That’s my favorite new feature because it has made it easier and quicker for customers to use the system.

Bobby: My favorite feature is the ease of use of the software, which is ideal for new xMAP end users. It’s very intuitive and easy to set up the assay plate and kit protocol. I also appreciate the system’s broad dynamic range, which can be very important for the high detection of certain biomarkers.

 

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