autologous serum and multiplex cytokine beads

Dear Ma'am and Sirs:
 
We are having training on multiplex (10 beads) cytokine flow analysis of
Th1/Th2 shift by treatment vs placebo (human). We will measure the
baseline serum cytokine profiles as well as supernatants of isolated PBL
or PBMC stimulated by PHA.
 
Does anyone have opinions about the use of autologous serum vs. FBS for
the ex vivo study? As we hypothesize the baseline serum of the treatment
group to be shifted to either Th1 or Th2, the use of autologous serum
seems to make more sense than making this variable constant (FBS).
 
Any opinions about autologous serum or multiplex beads analysis will be
appreciated. I will try to summarize feedbacks, but these two may have
to be separate questions.
 
In health,
 
Masa Sasagawa, ND
Naturopathic Physician - Washington
Affiliate Assistant Professor - University of Washington
  School of Nursing, Dept of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Dr NE, #472
Kenmore, WA 98028
Phone: 425-602-3178
Fax: 425-602-3079
masas@bastyr.edu