Assessment of variability and normalization methods using the plasma 7K SomaScan® Assay v4.1
Assessment of variability and normalization methods using the plasma 7K SomaScan Assay v4.1
The 7K SomaScan Assay v4.1 is capable of measuring 7,288 human proteins. In this webinar, the speakers present the largest technical assessment of this platform to date based on a study of 2,050 samples across 22 plates.(1) Included in the study design were inter-plate technical duplicates from 102 human subjects, which allowed them to characterize different normalization procedures, evaluate assay variability by multiple analytical approaches, present signal-over-background metrics, and discuss potential specificity issues.
By providing detailed performance assessments on this wide range of technical aspects, the presenters aim for this work to serve as a valuable resource for the growing community of SomaScan users.
Topics covered:
- A comparative analysis of different normalization strategies
- An analysis of performance across 7,288 SOMAmers® Reagents targeting human proteins
- A discussion of sensitivity and specificity of the assay

Julián Candia, PhD
Staff Scientist
Longitudinal Studies Section
Translational Gerontology Branch
National Institute on Aging
National Institutes of Health

Keenan Walker, PhD
Investigator, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program
Chief, Multimodal Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND) unit
Assessment of variability and normalization methods using the plasma 7K SomaScan Assay v4.1
A presentation by Julián Candia, PhD, and Keenan Walker, PhD
References
- Candia J, Daya GN, Tanaka T, Ferrucci L, Walker KA. Assessment of variability in the plasma 7k SomaScan proteomics assay. Sci Rep. 2022 Oct 13;12(1):17147. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-22116-0. PMID: 36229504; PMCID: PMC9561184.
More webinars
WebinarMore than the sum of its parts: How harmonized proteomic data reveals meaning across disparate clinical cohorts
Proteomics data generated across sites, time points, and workflows can be difficult to compare using standard normalization alone. This webinar shows how harmonization aligns datasets into a shared biological framework and reveals signals across studies and cohorts, highlighted through the GNPC’s analysis of 40,000 patient samples.
WebinarRethinking Neurodegeneration Through Blood-Based Biomarkers
Proteomics is reshaping how we predict, diagnose, and understand neurodegenerative diseases. In this roundtable, leading experts Tony Wyss-Coray, PhD, and Jacob Vogel, PhD, explore the power of blood-based biomarkers, from deep molecular studies to global-scale datasets using the SomaScan™ Assay. They discuss how protein signatures can reveal brain aging, predict dementia, and track changes in disease pathways over time, with moderation by Steve Williams, MD, PhD. Learn how cutting-edge proteomics is redefining what is possible in neurological research.
WebinarProteomics in Clinical Trials: Lessons from Semaglutide Treatment in Individuals with Obesity
Advancements in proteomic profiling have opened new avenues for understanding the complex mechanisms underlying obesity and its comorbidities. By measuring thousands of proteins at once, researchers gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s metabolic health, revealing subclinical processes and pinpointing potential therapeutic targets.
