Microplate Reader / Microtiter Plate Reader

Microplate readers read biological, chemical or physical events that occur on a microtiter plate. A wide range of assays can be performed using a microplate reader including ELISAs, protein cell growth assays, nucleic acid and protein quantification, enzyme activity measurement, immunoassays, and screening of drug compounds and targets, among others. This makes these readers a staple in research labs specializing in drug discovery, bioassay validation, manufacturing, etc...

Considerations for purchasing a microplate reader

The first thing to consider when purchasing a microplate reader is the detection method. Microplates typically measure absorbance, fluorescence intensity, or luminescence, but models that measure time-resolved fluorescence and fluorescence polarization are also available for purchase. The type of detection to use will depend on the application. ELISAs and protein assays, for example, require absorbance to be measured while luciferase-based gene expression assays will require luminescence to be measured. Other things to consider include plate format – 96-well and 384-well plates are the norm but higher and lower capacity plate sizes are also available, speed and throughput needed, type of software, and whether or not multiple plates or wells can be read simultaneously.

Find, compare, and request a quote for microplate readers across leading suppliers at Labcompare; including access to product citations, related published figures, and first-hand reviews from our scientific community.

CompanyMolecular Devices, LLCMolecular Devices, LLCMolecular Devices, LLCMolecular Devices, LLC
ItemSpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance ELISA Microplate ReadersEMax Plus Microplate ReaderSpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate ReaderVersaMax ELISA Microplate Reader
Citations
Figures
(1)
Catalog NumberSpectraMax ABS and ABS PlusEMax Plusi3xVersaMax
Price
DescriptionFilterless readers provide consistent results with steady temperature regulation.

The SpectraMax® ABS and ABS Plus absorbance microplate readers provide the flexibility, sensitivity, and convenience for a wide range of assays such as ELISAs, microbial growth, and protein quantitation. Both
... Read More
Eight filter options provide simplified assay setup.

The EMax® Plus Microplate Reader delivers a robust solution in an entry level platform. Eight filters enable visible-wavelength absorption measurement applications such as protein quantification, cell viability and ELISA. The reader measures
... 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
... Read More
Enables precise and accurate detection at wavelengths in the visible spectrum without the use of filters, providing consequence-free assay flexibility.

Built around a grating monochromator, the VersaMax™ Absorbance Microplate Reader allows for selection of up to two wavelengths at a time for
... Read More
Optical SystemInquireFiltersSpectral Fusion IlluminationMonochromator
Measuring Time5 seconds (in speed read mode)25 secInquire9 sec minimum interval (Kinetic) or 12 sec (Endpoint)
Wavelength RangeInquireInquire230 to 1000 nm340 to 850 nm
Plate Formats96- and 384-well plates, Cuvettes96 well plates6 to 1536 wells96 Well Plates
Get Quote

Articles