NF-LIGHT®

NF-LIGHT^®

Neurofilament Light Chain Assay

Advance your neurology research from discovery to diagnostics by reliably measuring neurofilament light (NfL).

The Quanterix Simoa® NfL assay is an ultrasensitive laboratory test designed to accurately measure NfL levels in serum, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. This neurofilament light chain assay is performed using Quanterix’s Simoa® platform, a digital immunoassay technology that detects and measures low levels of biomarkers.

Benefits of using the Simoa® NfL Assay as a neurofilament light chain test

• Highly sensitive and specific measurement of NfL, allowing for early and accurate detection of neurodegenerative diseases in research applications
• Compatible with a range of sample types, including blood and CSF, making it a versatile neurofilament light chain assay

What is Neurofilament Light?

NfL (or Nf-Light) is a 68 kDa cytoskeletal intermediate filament protein expressed in neurons. NfL associates with the 125 kDa Neurofilament medium (NfM) and the 200 kDa Neurofilament heavy (NfH) to form neurofilaments. They are major components of the neuronal cytoskeleton and are believed to function primarily to provide structural support for the axon and to regulate axon diameter.

Neurofilaments get released, potentially in significant quantities, following axonal damage or neuronal degeneration. This positions NfL as a strong biomarker candidate for diverse neuropathological diseases. NfL assays that can accurately detect NfL in the blood and CSF offer valuable data for researchers investigating traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Features of the Simoa NfL Advantage PLUS Assay 

• Proprietary Uman NfL antibodies enable ultra-sensitive and specific detection of neuroaxonal damage- and neurodegeneration-associated NfL dynamics. 
• Mouse sample testing compatibility bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical research with reliable NfL measurement using a single assay
• Wide dynamic range allows for robust quantification across multiple biofluid sample types, including blood and CSF, supporting diverse research applications
• Flexible automation options with a fully automated workflow on the HD-X or semi-automated workflow on the SR-X ensures seamless support for research and clinical applications
• Lot-matched kits enhance consistency for large-scale and longitudinal studies

Applications and Intended Use

The Quanterix Simoa® NfL assay is a digital immunoassay intended for the measurement of NfL in human plasma, serum, and CSF samples and mouse serum and plasma. The antibodies also cross-react with bovine and macaque NfL epitopes, making it possible to use this assay for research in these species.

The Quanterix Simoa® NfL assay has been validated for use in clinical research and diagnostic research applications as a neurofilament light chain assay.

The Simoa® NfL assay is a valuable tool for researchers studying neuropathologies. By measuring NfL protein levels in the blood, researchers can gain insights into the role of NfL in the disease process and accelerate the path from discovery to diagnostics:

• Develop new diagnostics and neuro-prognostics
• Identify and screen drug candidates
• Validate newly discovered biomarkers

For Research Use Only. For the Simoa® LDT NfL Test, visit our NfL LDT page. 

Assay Specifications*

• Compatible instruments: HD-X, SR-X^§ 
• Analytical Lower Limit of Quantification (LLOQ): 0.309 pg/mL 
• Lower Limit of Detection (LOD): 0.062 pg/mL 
• Dynamic range: 0-1800 pg/mL for serum/EDTA plasma; 0-45 ng/mL for CSF

*Simoa® NfL assay is also available in the Advantage v2 kit version. Please refer to the respective Simoa NfL Advantage v2 datasheet for detailed specifications.  

^§Refer to the Simoa® NfL Advantage PLUS SR-X Compatibility Report for specifications on the SR-X platform.  

Kit Contents

The assay kit includes all necessary reagents and controls to perform 96 tests.  

Related Resources

• Blog: Ultrasensitive Detection of Neurofilament Light Assesses the Neurological Impact of Cardiac Surgery
• Publication Brief: Blood Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) Assay: Multiple Sclerosis
• App Note: Simoa® NF-light™: Ultrasensitive Blood-Based Biomarker Detection for Identification of Neuropathology
• Press Release: FDA Accelerated Approval of Tofersen Highlights Importance of Blood Neurofilament Light Chain as Surrogate Endpoint in Neurology Therapeutic Trials
• Blog: NfL: A Promising Biomarker For ALS