microplate reader elisa reader

What is a Microplate Reader?

A microplate reader is a laboratory instrument that is used to measure chemical, biological or physical reactions, properties, and analytes within the well of a microplate. A microplate consists of small wells in which separated reactions take place. In the microplate, these reactions convert the presence of an analyte or the progression of biochemical processes into optical signals. The microplate reader is an optical system that detects these signals and thus quantifies the parameter of interest.

Scientists in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., drug discovery) strive to improve routine laboratory processes and efficiency by using products or instruments able to save time. A microplate reader can handle up to 3456 samples in minutes or even seconds. A plate reader helps to minimise operational time and to save reagent costs, allowing researchers to focus more on data analysis and the generation of actionable insights.

What is a microplate reader used for?

A microplate reader is used for the quantification of several biological and chemical assays in a microplate. Nowadays, the availability of a plethora of reagent kits enables the exploitation of a microplate reader in different fields and for many different applications. Besides biological, cellular, biochemical, pharmaceutical research and drug discovery, both in academic and industrial environments, plate readers are also used in drug discovery, environmental research, and in the food or cosmetics industry.