| Description | The SpectraMax® i Series of multi-mode microplate readers—iD3s, iD5e, and i3x—are designed to generate high-quality data for everyday assays such as DNA, RNA, and protein quantification, ELISAs, cell viability, and luciferase reporter assays, as well as complex, multi-parameter The SpectraMax® i Series of multi-mode microplate readers—iD3s, iD5e, and i3x—are designed to generate high-quality data for everyday assays such as DNA, RNA, and protein quantification, ELISAs, cell viability, and luciferase reporter assays, as well as complex, multi-parameter workflows including multiplexed TR-FRET and AlphaScreen® assays, live-cell kinetic studies, and cytotoxicity assays. With over 85,000 scientific citations and four decades of trusted performance and partnership in research and regulated labs, the SpectraMax i-Series gives you the flexibility to adapt as your needs evolve. Whether you're accelerating discovery, ensuring QC consistency, or preparing for regulatory compliance, SpectraMax readers—paired with powerful, GxP-ready SoftMax® Pro Software—offer a future-ready platform that grows with your lab.
Reliable ELISA & Protein Quantitation- Perform sandwich and competitive ELISAs with high sensitivity
- Tunable monochromators and hybrid optics for assay flexibility
- Ideal for cytokine profiling, biomarker validation, and QC labs
Live-Cell & Cell Viability Assays- Support fluorescence and luminescence-based viability assays
- Optional CO₂/O₂ control and advanced shaking for live-cell workflows
- Suitable for cytotoxicity, proliferation, and pathway analysis
Multiplexed & Advanced Detection Assays- Perform TRF, fluorescence polarization, and multiplexed assays (iD5e/i3x)
- Expand into TR-FRET, HTRF®, and western blot detection as needs grow
- Reduce instrument sprawl while future-proofing your lab
... Read More | Unlimited breadth of user-upgradeable application modules expands research capabilities.
The SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader measures absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence with available upgrades including western blot, cell imaging, and fast kinetics with injectors plus Unlimited breadth of user-upgradeable application modules expands research capabilities.
The SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader measures absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence with available upgrades including western blot, cell imaging, and fast kinetics with injectors plus additional detection modes.
With the SpectraMax® MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer, industry-leading SoftMax® Pro Software, and user-configurable detection modules, the reader provides you with the ability to explore cellular pathways and protein expression on one microplate reader.
User-configurable applications -
User-configurable detection modules expand the reader’s detection capabilities to include AlphaScreen, Time-Resolved Fluorescence, HTRF, fast kinetics with injectors, western blot detection, and more.
No-stain cell analysis -
The StainFree™ Cell Detection Algorithm for brightfield cell segmentation enables cell counting and confluency measurement without destructive stains, simplifying the cell counting workflow.
Multi-channel functionality -
Two fluorescence detection channels on the MiniMax cytometer enable the analysis of cell viability or cell toxicity assays, including ratiometric assays like live-dead and transfection efficiency.
Cellular pathway analysis -
Cell confluence and cell viability imaging, western blot analysis, and quantitation of nucleic acids and protein, can be captured on one reader.
Other features and benefits include: - Capture flash assays with ease
- Reduce background noise
- Increase fluorescence performance
... Read More | Run everyday assays, explore new applications, and spend less time on setup and analysis. The SpectraMax® iD3s and iD5e Multi-Mode Microplate Readers bring absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection together on one platform, with intuitive tools and optional capabilities that support Run everyday assays, explore new applications, and spend less time on setup and analysis. The SpectraMax® iD3s and iD5e Multi-Mode Microplate Readers bring absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection together on one platform, with intuitive tools and optional capabilities that support your laboratory’s changing needs.
Choose the SpectraMax iD3s reader for core assay workflows, with a tunable monochromator that lets you select wavelengths to match your assays. For more advanced applications, the SpectraMax iD5e reader adds hybrid monochromator and filter-based optics, time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), and tunable fluorescence polarization (FP), with optional support for TR-FRET, including HTRF®, BRET, and western blot detection.
Both readers offer optional dual injectors for assays requiring reagent addition during measurement. Temperature control, multiple shaking modes, and an optional CO2/O2 gas mixer support live-cell and microbial growth experiments. SoftMax® Pro Software connects assay setup, data acquisition, and analysis, helping you turn measurements into interpretable results.
Features:
- Run multiple assay types on one platform – Perform ELISA, nucleic acid and protein quantitation, cell viability, and microbial assays using one reader and a common software platform. The iD5e reader supports additional applications, including optional western blot detection.
- Spend less time setting up and analyzing assays – Get started with more than 200 preconfigured protocols in SoftMax Pro Software. Intuitive setup and integrated analysis tools help reduce repetitive work and support consistent workflows across experiments.
- Support fast kinetic assays with consistent reagent mixing – Optional dual injectors with SmartInject® Technology deliver and mix reagents in the well for flash and other time-sensitive assays. Reverse Prime functionality helps recover unused reagent from injector tubing, reducing waste.
- Match detection settings to demanding assays – The iD5e reader’s hybrid optical system combines monochromator wavelength flexibility with filter-based sensitivity. An ultra-cooled photomultiplier tube helps reduce detector noise, supporting the measurement of weak signals.
- Control conditions during live-cell and microbial experiments – Multiple shaking modes and an optional, user-installable CO2/O2 gas mixer help you establish conditions suited to your cells or microorganisms during kinetic and longer-duration studies.
- Simplify filter setup when switching assays – On the iD5e reader, automatic filter identification uses NFC technology to recognize installed filters, making it easier to check the available filters when configuring an experiment.
- Maintain controlled temperatures throughout your assay – Temperature regulation from 5°C above ambient to 66°C supports temperature-sensitive reactions and growth studies, helping you maintain consistent measurement conditions.
- Optimize signal collection for your samples – Adjustable read height lets you optimize the position of the detection optics for your assay conditions, helping improve signal collection across different plate formats and sample volumes.
- Conserve precious samples and expand measurement formats – Measure samples in volumes of 2–4 µL with the optional SpectraDrop Micro-Volume Microplate, or use the SpectraCuvette™ Adapter Plate for compatible cuvette-based measurements on the same reader.
- Access routine workflows more quickly – Use touchscreen Quick Read icons to start common measurements and a personalized protocol library to access frequently used methods, simplifying setup for repeated experiments.
- Add western blot detection to your reader – Expand the iD5e reader with the optional enhanced TRF module to support western blot detection and low-abundance protein quantitation. Extended signal stability offers greater flexibility in detection timing, with sensitivity dependent on assay design and configuration.
... Read More | The SpectraMax® Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader offers a budget friendly solution that gives you exactly what you need when you need it. With three modes of detection for UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence, the SpectraMax Mini reader is user upgradeable - from 2 to 3 modes, The SpectraMax® Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader offers a budget friendly solution that gives you exactly what you need when you need it. With three modes of detection for UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence, the SpectraMax Mini reader is user upgradeable - from 2 to 3 modes, providing researchers with a versatile instrument that does not compromise on sensitivity or performance. Included SoftMax® Pro Software enables rapid data generation and analysis helping you achieve more in less time.
Features: - Industry-leading software - Enjoy an extensive library of protocols, advanced reader control, and easy data management and analysis with our best-in-class SoftMax Pro Software.
- Expanded wavelength range - Xenon flash lamps allow you to excite samples in the UV range where halogen does not.
- Approachable design - Effortless functionality provides users with everything they need to run their most crucial applications quickly and without complications.
- AutoPMT technology - Our AutoPMT feature allows a wide range of concentrations to be prepared and read on one plate, avoiding saturation (or the loss of signal) and saving you time and money.
... Read More | Z-height focusing is enabled for fast top- and bottom-reads for all read modes. By performing Z-height optimization, a lens is adjusted to address low volumes or varied well geometry.
Eliminate manual gain adjustment -
The detection cartridge utilizes an energy intensity optimization technique Z-height focusing is enabled for fast top- and bottom-reads for all read modes. By performing Z-height optimization, a lens is adjusted to address low volumes or varied well geometry.
Eliminate manual gain adjustment -
The detection cartridge utilizes an energy intensity optimization technique allowing you to read up to seven logs of sample concentration in a single pass of a plate without manual gain adjustment.
Configuration changes in minutes -
Adding new read modes is fast and simple with the detection cartridge system. Order additional detection cartridges as your application needs change, and install them by yourself in under two minutes.
Increased dynamic range and sensitivity -
Use predefined reductions, columns, and summary formulas, or create custom calculations. Analyze EC50 and Z-factors to identify assay quality, and graph results with over 21 curve fit options.
Other features and benefits include: - Get automatic Z-height optimization
- Eliminate manual gain adjustment
- Tailor your data analysis
... Read More |
| Reading Modes | Absorbance, Fluorescence, Luminescence, Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF), Fluorescence Polarization, TR-FRET, HTRF®, AlphaScreen® | Absorbance, Fluorescence (top/bottom read), Luminescence (top read), Time-Resolved Fluorescence (top read), Fluorescence Polarization (top read), HTRF (top read), AlphaScreen (top read) | Absorbance, Fluorescence (top/bottom read), Luminescence (top/bottom read), Time-Resolved Fluorescence (top/bottom read), Fluorescence Polarization (top/bottom read), HTRF (top/bottom read), HTRF | UV-Vis absorbance, Fluorescence, and Luminescence | Endpoint reading, Kinetic reading, Well Area Scanning |