Why Picking the Right Panel Makes All the Difference

In the realm of proteomics, selecting an appropriate analytical panel is paramount to the success of your research. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, Olink has emerged as a leader in providing multiplex immunoassay panels that enable the simultaneous quantification of numerous proteins from minimal sample volumes.

However, with a diverse array of panels available—ranging from the extensive Olink Explore HT to the targeted Olink Target series—researchers often face the challenge of choosing the panel that best aligns with their specific study objectives. Making an informed decision is crucial, as the wrong choice can lead to suboptimal data, increased costs, and potential delays in research timelines.

This guide aims to demystify selecting the right Olink panel by providing a structured approach to match your research goals with the most suitable panel. By understanding the unique features and applications of each panel, you can ensure that your study is equipped with the tools necessary to achieve meaningful and reproducible results.

Olink assay heatmap comparing throughput and protein count A heatmap or bar graph showing number of proteins vs sample volume vs throughput across panels (e.g. comparison of Olink Explore vs SomaScan from Wang et al. 2025)

One-Minute Overview: All Olink Panel Families

Olink offers a variety of proteomics panels designed to meet the diverse needs of researchers at different stages of their studies. Whether you're conducting a broad discovery study, validating specific biomarkers, or monitoring immune responses, there is a panel for you. Here's a quick look at the available Olink panel families:

Explore HT: This panel is designed for high-throughput, discovery-scale research, covering over 5,400 proteins across various sample types like plasma, serum, and more. It's ideal for large-scale studies and population research, enabling high multiplexing and fast analysis with NGS technology.

Explore 3072 / Modular 384-plex Panels: These modular panels allow you to select up to 3072 proteins by combining multiple 384-plex subpanels. This flexibility is perfect for studying specific disease areas or biological processes without a complete proteome-wide analysis.

Target 96: Focused on hypothesis-driven research, the Target 96 panel provides 92 proteins per panel.It is designed to validate biomarkers and explore disease pathways, making it ideal for clinical and translational studies. The qPCR-based readout allows for precise quantification.

Target 48 (Cytokine / Immune Surveillance): This panel is tailored explicitly for monitoring immune responses and cytokine profiling, with around 45 proteins targeting immune and inflammatory markers. It's often used in clinical trials, preclinical studies, and immune-oncology research.

Target 48 Mouse Cytokine: A specialized version of the Target 48 panel for mouse models, this panel offers 43 proteins crucial for studying immune responses and cytokine levels in preclinical studies.

Flex: The Flex panel is highly customizable, allowing you to select 5–30 biomarkers from a library of around 200 pre-validated assays. It's perfect for researchers with a clear set of biomarkers in mind who need panel design flexibility.

Focus: For those looking for a more targeted approach, the Focus panel offers customization of up to 21 proteins from a library of 5,000+ assays. It's ideal for validating findings or conducting more precise studies.

Reveal: The Reveal panel is an accessible solution for labs new to high-throughput proteomics. It offers streamlined, lower-barrier NGS-based proteomics, making it a great starting point for those looking to perform discovery proteomics without the complexity or high cost of full-scale panels like Explore HT.

These panels support various research needs, from early-stage discovery to focused validation and clinical translation. Selecting the right panel for your project depends on your research goals, sample type, and budget.

This overview will help guide you as you explore your options, but keep reading for a more in-depth comparison to find the panel that best fits your needs.

Panel Comparison Table: Key Specs Side by Side

To help you make a well-informed decision, we've created a comparison table of the key specifications for each Olink panel. This table highlights differences in sample requirements, number of biomarkers, quantification methods, throughput, and ideal use cases for each panel. Use this table to identify which panel aligns with your research objectives quickly.

Panel Name	Sample Volume & Type	Number of Proteins / Biomarkers	Read-out Method	Quantification	Throughput / Kit Size	Best Use Cases	Limitations / Trade-offs
Explore HT	~2 µL; plasma, serum, and other standard biological fluids	>5,400 proteins	NGS	Relative (NPX)	Very high throughput (hundreds to thousands of samples per week)	Large-scale discovery; population studies; biomarker identification	Higher cost per sample; large data sets require robust bioinformatics; not ideal for highly specific validation
Explore 3072 / 384-plex Modular	~2 µL; plasma/serum and other fluids	~3,000 proteins (if combining modules)	NGS	Relative (NPX)	High throughput; scalable depending on module selection	When broad coverage is needed but not at full proteome scale; customized disease area profiling	Adding multiple modules increases complexity and QC demands; requires precise sample handling
Target 96	~1 µL; plasma, serum, and validated fluids	92 proteins per panel; multiple disease panels	qPCR (Signature Q100)	Relative (NPX)	Moderate throughput; ~88 samples per kit	Disease-focused research; hypothesis-driven validation; clinical and translational studies	Limited breadth compared to Explore panels; may require additional panels for broader biomarker coverage
Target 48 (Human Cytokine / Immune Surveillance)	~1 µL; plasma/serum, other validated fluids	~44-45 proteins (human); ~43 proteins (mouse)	qPCR (Signature Q100)	Absolute (pg/mL) or relative (NPX)	Moderate throughput; ~40-80 samples per kit	Immune response profiling; cytokine research; preclinical and clinical trials	Narrower protein coverage; not ideal for large discovery efforts or extensive proteome-wide studies
Flex	~1 µL; standard sample types	Customizable: 5-30 proteins from a library of ~200 assays	qPCR (Signature Q100)	Absolute or relative (NPX)	Lower throughput; flexible design	When specific biomarkers are known and need to be validated; tailored for pathways and signatures	Custom design can lead to longer setup times; each assay must be validated
Focus	~1 µL; standard biological fluids	Customizable: up to ~21 proteins from a library of 5,000+ assays	qPCR (Signature Q100)	Absolute or relative (NPX)	Low throughput; ~40 samples per kit	Validation of biomarkers; high precision required for clinical or preclinical research	Limited to smaller biomarker sets; customization may take longer
Reveal	~1-2 µL; standard biological fluids	Moderate (~1,000+ proteins depending on configuration)	NGS	Relative (NPX)	Moderate throughput	Accessible discovery for labs new to high-plex proteomics; lower barrier to entry for large-scale studies	Less coverage than Explore HT; lower sensitivity for very low abundance proteins; potential for incomplete biomarker discovery

This table offers a comprehensive, side-by-side look at Olink's core panels. It helps you quickly assess which option suits your study based on throughput, sample volume, number of biomarkers, and research goals. Keep in mind that the "best fit" often depends on balancing discovery breadth with your specific research question.

For more detailed guidance on selecting the right panel for your study, read on. We'll walk you through the decision-making framework to help you choose the most appropriate Olink panel.

Start with Your Question

Choosing the right Olink panel begins with a clear understanding of your research objectives. Each panel is tailored to specific study goals, sample types, and throughput needs. Here's how to align your research focus with the most suitable Olink panel:

1. Discovery vs. Validation

Discovery Studies: If your goal is to explore a broad range of proteins to identify novel biomarkers or gain comprehensive insights into disease mechanisms, the Olink Explore HT or Explore 3072 panels are ideal. These panels offer extensive coverage and are designed for high-throughput analysis.

Validation Studies: For confirming specific biomarkers or pathways previously identified, the Olink Target 96 panel provides a focused approach with 92 proteins per panel, facilitating detailed validation in a targeted manner.

2. Immune & Cytokine Profiling

Human Immune Profiling: The Olink Target 48 Cytokine panel is tailored for studying human immune responses, offering simultaneous analysis of 45 cytokines with high specificity.

Mouse Immune Profiling: For preclinical studies involving mouse models, the Olink Target 48 Mouse Cytokine panel enables in-depth analysis of 43 cytokines, supporting translational research from bench to bedside.

3. Sample Types & Throughput

Sample Volume: Most Olink panels require minimal sample volumes, typically around 1 µL, making them suitable for precious or limited samples.

Throughput Needs: Consider the number of samples you plan to analyze. High-throughput panels like Explore HT accommodate large sample sizes efficiently, whereas panels like Target 96 are better suited for moderate sample numbers.

4. Quantification Methods

Relative Quantification: Panels such as Explore HT and Target 96 provide relative quantification, ideal for comparing protein levels across different conditions.

Absolute Quantification: For precise measurement of protein concentrations, the Target 48 Cytokine panel offers absolute quantification, reporting results in standard units like pg/mL.

5. Research Focus Areas

Inflammation & Immune Response: Panels like Target 48 Cytokine and Target 48 Mouse Cytokine are specifically designed for studying inflammatory pathways and immune responses.

Oncology & Neurology: For cancer or neurological research, consider the relevant panels under the Explore 3072 or Target 96 series, which include biomarkers pertinent to these fields.

By aligning your research objectives with the appropriate Olink panel, you can ensure that your study design is optimized for the questions you aim to answer. For a more detailed comparison of panel specifications, refer to the earlier section on panel specifications.

Next Steps: Once you've identified the panel that best fits your research needs, consider the following:

Sample Preparation: Ensure that your samples are collected and stored according to the guidelines provided for the chosen panel.
Data Analysis: Familiarize yourself with the data analysis tools and software compatible with your selected panel to facilitate efficient data interpretation.
Consultation: If you need further assistance in selecting the right panel or have specific questions about your study design, don't hesitate to reach out to Creative Proteomics's support team or a certified service provider.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances the quality and impact of your research.

Infographic guide comparing Olink panels with decision flow, panel comparison, and checklist for research selection

Integrating Olink Panels with Other Omics Technologies

To gain a comprehensive understanding of biological systems, integrating proteomics data from Olink panels with other omics layers—such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics—can provide deeper insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.

Multi-Omics Integration with Olink Proteomics

Olink's Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology offers high specificity and sensitivity, enabling accurate protein quantification. When combined with other omics data, researchers can achieve a holistic view of biological processes.

Genomics: Integrating proteomics with genomic data can help identify gene-protein associations, elucidate gene expression regulation, and uncover genetic variants influencing protein levels.

Transcriptomics: Combining proteomics with transcriptomics allows for the correlation of mRNA expression levels with protein abundance, aiding in understanding post-transcriptional regulation and protein synthesis.

Metabolomics: Linking proteomics with metabolomics can reveal how metabolic changes influence protein function and vice versa, providing insights into metabolic pathways and disease states.

Microbiomics: Integrating proteomics with microbiome data can uncover host-microbe interactions and their impact on health and disease.

By leveraging Olink's high-throughput proteomics capabilities and integrating them with other omics data, researchers can achieve a systems-level understanding of complex biological questions.

Cytokine-Focused Choices: Target 48 vs. Target 48 Mouse

If your research centers around cytokines, immune response, or inflammation:

Use Target 48 Cytokine / Immune Surveillance for human studies; it gives you ~45 critical proteins. Results often include absolute concentration (e.g. pg/mL) and/or NPX.

For mouse models, Target 48 Mouse Cytokine lets you do longitudinal sampling and immune monitoring in preclinical settings.

Combine with panels for tissue or plasma proteomics if you expect cross-tissue or systemic effects beyond immune markers.

Comparative Overview

Feature	Target 48 Cytokine (Human)	Target 48 Mouse Cytokine
Species	Human	Mouse
Biomarkers	45	43
Sample Volume	1 µL	1 µL
Quantification	Absolute & Relative	Absolute & Relative
Ideal For	Clinical Studies	Preclinical Research
Longitudinal Studies	Limited	Yes
Compatibility	Olink Signature Q100	Olink Signature Q100

Choosing between these panels depends on your study's species focus and research objectives. For human clinical studies, the Target 48 Cytokine panel is appropriate, whereas for mouse model research, the Target 48 Mouse Cytokine panel is more suitable.

Data Reality Check: NPX vs Absolute Units & Quantification Considerations

NPX (Normalized Protein Expression) is Olink's relative quantification unit. It's typically log2-transformed, dependent on proper normalization (intra- and inter-assay). It works well for comparing the same protein across samples in the same run/project.

Absolute quantification (e.g. pg/mL) is available in some Target 48 / Immune / Cytokine panels; this is especially useful for clinical translation, comparing across studies or labs, or meeting regulatory / longitudinal comparability needs.

Make sure to plan downstream analysis early: consider limits of detection (LOD), coefficient of variation (CV) specifications, sample quality, batch effects. A panel may cover many proteins but if many are near the detection limit for your sample type, they may not yield reliable data.

Practical Scenarios: Which Panel Fits Your Project?

Scenario	Recommended Panel(s)	Why It's a Good Fit
Large cohort study to discover new biomarkers (e.g. population / biobank)	Explore HT or Explore Modular (3072/384)	Maximum coverage; high throughput; efficient sample input; powerful discovery potential
Disease-focused pathway / mechanism work (e.g. neurodegeneration, cardio, metabolic)	Target 96 or Focus	Balanced breadth and cost; enough coverage to see pathway effects without overwhelming data load
Immune response monitoring (clinical trials, vaccine, toxicity)	Target 48 Cytokine / Immune Surveillance; possibly Target 48 Mouse for preclinical	Focused on cytokine/immune proteins; better quantitation; suited for repeated sampling
Small number of candidate proteins already known, requiring precise quantitation	Focus or Flex (custom)	You can select only what you need; better quantitation; lower background; faster validation
Limited sample volume, or non-plasma/serum sample types (CSF, tissue, lysates)	Pick panels validated on sample matrix; often Explore HT or Target 96 (if validated) but check validation data	Sample input & matrix compatibility critical to obtaining usable data; may need to pilot test

Putting It Together: How to Decide

To make your decision more systematic, you might use a checklist like this:

Question	If "Yes" → favor panel with …
Do I need precise concentrations (absolute data)?	A panel offering absolute quantification like Target 48 Cytokine
Are my target proteins low in abundance or in difficult matrices?	A panel with high sensitivity and strong validation data (e.g. Explore HT or well-validated Target panel)
How many samples do I process?	If many, high-throughput panels; if fewer, focused panels suffice
Is cross-site or cross-lab comparison important?	Look for panels with strong reproducibility, absolute quantification, and rigorous specificity testing