Application Note: Comparing ultrasensitive SMC® immunoassay platforms with SMC® kits

Biomarkers General interest
Application Note: Comparing ultrasensitive immunoassay platforms with SMC® kits

This Application Note details the enhancements made for the new ultrasensitive immunoassay platform, the FemtoQuest™ system, as compared to the previous SMCxPRO® and Erenna® instruments.

All platforms use SMC® high sensitivity kits optimized to detect fg/ml levels of biomarkers in human serum and plasma samples, specifically highlighting measurement of immunology (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23) and cardiovascular (cTnI) analytes. First, standard curve performance was compared between the instruments, where the FemtoQuest™ system had either a lower or equivalent Lower Limit of Quantification (LLOQ) value compared to the SMCxPRO® or Erenna® instruments. With closer inspection, the FemtoQuest™ system had a greater concentration response (slope of curve), a lower or comparable average %CV, and a larger signal-to-noise ratio for three out of the four analytes tested, with cTnI having a slightly lower signal-to-noise ratio, compared to the SMCxPRO® instrument. When compared to the Erenna® system, there was some enhancement of signal-to-noise ratio with the FemtoQuest™ system, demonstrating closer alignment to the original Erenna® instrument.

Finally, the analyte concentrations for 15 samples were compared between the three instruments, verifying strong correlation to the FemtoQuest™ system and proving the robustness and reliability of the new instrument. Not only does the FemtoQuest™ system match or exceed the precision of previous instruments, but it now enables automation with a front-loading design and dual-plex capabilities, offering an excellent solution to various research areas.

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For Research Use Only. Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures. 

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The Life Science business of Merck operates as MilliporeSigma in the US and Canada. 

© 2026 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. The vibrant M, Millipore, FemtoQuest, and SMCxPRO are trademarks of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or its affiliates.