A GFAP biomarker assay kit for neurotrauma studies by Spear Bio

The SPEAR UltraDetect^™ GFAP Biomarker Assay Kit is a wash-free, ultra-precise diagnostic method for testing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and is suitable for neurotrauma and central nervous system (CNS) research.

The assay requires the SPEAR UltraDetect™ Reaction Kit and is intended for research purposes only.

A versatile biomarker for neuroinflammation across neurological conditions

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a structural protein mainly produced by astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS).

Recognized as an important biomarker of neuroinflammation, increased concentrations of GFAP in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate astrocyte activation or damage, which is frequently linked to neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, studies have shown blood GFAP levels to correlate with amyloid burden, highlighting its potential as an early biomarker for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Unparalleled precision with the SPEAR UltraDetect GFAP assay kit

SPEAR UltraDetect GFAP shows high precision. In clinical trials and longitudinal studies, high precision is critical, together with 100 % quantification of healthy samples, to detect small changes.

This performance was confirmed with clinical samples, including diseased patient samples and healthy controls, in which the SPEAR UltraDetect GFAP assay quantified 100 % of samples and achieved a mean replicate coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.0 %.

SPEAR UltraDetect GFAP assay precision [1 µL diluted sample]. Measuring all samples well above fLLoQ with unprecedented range (4.5 logs) and precision (mean 3.0 %). Image Credit: Spear Bio

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Assay specifications

Source: Spear Bio

Precision for CNS research

Supporting research on neurological conditions

GFAP is essential for the structure and function of astrocytes, forming a vital part of their intermediate filament cytoskeleton. It is a Class III intermediate filament protein. GFAP levels increase when astrocytes become reactive due to inflammation, injury, or disease. With these characteristics, GFAP is a widely used research biomarker for various neurological conditions such as:

• Glioblastoma and other brain tumors
• Traumatic brain injury
• Astrocyte pathology in the CNS inflammatory or autoimmune disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

During chronic disease progression and acute injury, astroglial activation occurs, leading to elevated GFAP levels in serum and CSF. When compared to the commonly used GFAP ELISA kits and digital ELISA kits for protein detection in CSF samples, SPEAR UltraDetect^™ GFAP is a more reliable, high-performing, and less labor-intensive method ideal for serum and plasma-based detection.

Across samples, across studies

Recommended for research across sample types and settings

The SPEAR UltraDetect^™ GFAP biomarker assay kit is developed for Research Use Only (RUO) and is optimized for use with human plasma or serum samples. Its high-performance, low-volume characteristics are suitable for research applications involving:

• Monitoring of astrocyte biomarker in neurodegenerative disease models
• Multi-target analysis strategies using NfL, GFAP, and phosphorylated tau
• Pre-clinical and clinical studies of spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injury, or CNS tumors
• Comparative analysis of glial reactivity across disease conditions

It is compatible with common lab equipment and has a user-friendly, automatable workflow. These features enable scientists to efficiently integrate GFAP measurements into longitudinal studies, high-throughput screening, or pilot discovery programs.

Confidence through clarity

Designed for confidence and clarity

Traditional and digital ELISA and other conventional GFAP test kits require long incubation periods and multiple washing steps, which increase cost, time, and variability. The SPEAR UltraDetect^™ GFAP assay uses a direct, homogeneous assay format to simplify the workflow while improving analytical power.

Its two-factor authentication system verifies each target molecular interaction twice. This increases the specificity and sensitivity of the results and can be used in borderline samples and low-abundance situations.

Its reproducibility (mean CVs < 5 %) and high precision make it ideal for researchers seeking consistent performance and high resolution, which are essential for identifying mild astroglial changes. This would help in enhancing patient outcomes in neurological research.