Microplate Readers and Reader Accessories
Microplate readers are a type of spectrophotometer designed specifically for analyzing multiple samples in multi-well plates.
The readers detect light signals that result from biological, chemical, biochemical, or physical reactions. The signals are produced by, converted by, or transmitted through the samples and are measured by a detector. The detectors are usually photomultiplier tubes (PMT), which convert the released photons into electricity. The current is quantified by the reader’s software to produce the numerical result.
In some cases, samples are first excited by exposure to light of specific wavelengths. Filters or monochromators are used to select or restrict the wavelengths needed for emission or detection.
Single-mode microplate readers commonly measure absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence. Multi-mode plate readers may measure absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence with options for fluorescence polarization (FP). They may also include lasers for time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), TR-FRET, Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assays (ALPHA), and cell imaging.
Features may include:
- Monochromator- or filter-based wavelength selection
- Visible only or UV/Vis spectrum, fluorescence, and luminescence
- Multiple photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for simultaneous assays
- Temperature and CO2/O2controls
- Modular design for adding functionality
Microplate readers are used for high-throughput screening (HTS), biomarker assays, nucleic acid and protein quantification, kinetics, ELISA assays, homogeneous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) for measuring cytokines, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and other techniques.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 280 nm, 5.5 nm Bandwidth
Molecular Devices 280 nm absorbance filter designed as a replacement slide-style optical filter for select multimode microplate readers. The narrow 5.5 nm bandwidth enables precise absorbance measurements at 280 nm for protein quantitation and other absorbance-based assays.
- Provides narrowband absorbance detection at 280 nm with a 5.5 nm bandwidth.
- Optimized for protein quantitation and small-volume absorbance assays.
- Slide-style form factor suitable for insertion into accessory filter slots.
- Low stray light and high transmission within the passband.
- Intended as a replacement optical filter to restore instrument performance.
Molecular Devices Photometric Filter, 380 nm, FilterMax Compatible
The Molecular Devices AD 340 photometric filter (6590-0036) is a removable absorbance filter intended for use in multimode microplate readers. It provides a narrowband response at 380 nm and is supplied as an accessory for instruments that accept removable filter slides.
- Photometric absorbance filter for microplate assays.
- Nominal center wavelength 380 nm.
- Removable slide-mounted filter design for instrument installation.
- Used to select narrowband detection for plate-based absorbance measurements.
Molecular Devices Absorbance Filter, 414 nm, 10 nm, FilterMax
The FilterMax absorbance photometric filter provides a narrowband 414 nm detection channel with a 10 nm bandwidth for photometric and absorbance assays on compatible multimode microplate readers. It is an optical replacement accessory intended to restore or extend the absorbance measurement capability of readers that accept replaceable filters.
- Center wavelength 414 nm, bandwidth 10 nm.
- Designed for narrowband absorbance and photometric measurements.
- Intended as a replacement optical filter for compatible multimode microplate readers.
- Supports absorbance-based assays that require a 414 nm detection channel.
- Sold as a single replacement filter for installation by qualified service personnel.
Molecular Devices Microplate Reader, Multi-Mode, 200-1000 nm, 90-240 V
High-performance multi-mode microplate reader for absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence assays. Supports plate and cuvette measurements, automated workflows, and controlled-temperature experiments.
- Multi-mode detection including absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF, FP, and HTRF.
- Wavelength ranges: absorbance 200-1000 nm, fluorescence and luminescence 250-850 nm.
- Xenon flashlamp illumination with photomultiplier tube and silicon photodiode detection.
- Temperature control from ambient +2°C to 60°C.
- Automation ready with cuvette port, plate shaking, and robotics compatibility.
- Power input 90-240 V AC.
Molecular Devices SpectraTest Validation Plate, FL1, Calibration Certified, Reader Compatible
The SpectraTest FL1 Fluorescence Validation Plate is a calibrated reference tool used to validate the optical performance of FL1-channel fluorescence-capable microplate readers. It verifies sensitivity, wavelength accuracy, RFU linearity, PMT matching, and other fluorescence performance parameters and ships with a certificate of calibration and protective storage.
- Validates fluorescence sensitivity, wavelength accuracy, PMT matching, and RFU linearity.
- Includes calibrated fluorescent and non-fluorescent reference strips and didymium glass.
- Supplied with a certificate of calibration and protective storage sleeve.
- Compatible with a wide range of microplate readers for FL1-channel testing.
- Recommended annual recertification to maintain traceable calibration.
Molecular Devices Filter Lens, 600 nm, Microplate compatible, Replacement
Replacement filter lens for microplate and ELISA readers. This optical component provides centered transmission at 600 nm and is sold as a spare replacement for compatible plate readers including EMax, VMax, UVMax, and ThermoMax models.
- Provides centered transmission at 600 nm for absorbance measurements.
- Designed for use in microplate and ELISA reader detection optics.
- Supplied as a single replacement lens for instrument maintenance.
- Helps maintain assay accuracy for absorbance-based protocols.
Molecular Devices Photometric Filter, 570 nm, Absorbance, Replacement
AD 340 photometric filter for 570 nm absorbance measurements. This replacement optical filter isolates the 570 nm band for photometric assays, improving wavelength specificity and measurement reliability in absorbance-based detection systems.
- Center wavelength 570 nm for absorbance measurements.
- Designed for photometric wavelength selection in plate readers.
- Helps improve assay specificity and reduce spectral interference.
- Compact optical filter form factor for easy installation and replacement.
- Suitable for routine maintenance and filter replacement in absorbance detection workflows.
Molecular Devices Emission Filter, 485 nm center, 20 nm bandwidth, FilterMax Compatible
Emission filter for fluorescence detection centered at 485 nm with a 20 nm bandwidth. Designed for installation in microplate reader filter slides to isolate emission wavelengths and improve signal specificity in fluorescence assays.
- Emission peak at 485 nm.
- Bandwidth of 20 nm full width.
- Fluorescence emission filter for use in filter slides.
- Compatible with microplate reader fluorescence intensity and polarization measurements.
- Helps reduce spectral overlap and improve assay signal-to-noise ratio.
Molecular Devices Reader Cable, MAC-Series 1, Emax and Vmax Compatible
Molecular Devices replacement cable designed to connect MAC-Series 1 readers to compatible Emax and Vmax microplate readers for instrument control and data transfer.
- Replacement interconnect cable for legacy microplate readers.
- Enables data and control signal transfer between instruments.
- Plug-and-play design for straightforward installation.
- Supplied as a single unit for spare parts inventory.
Molecular Devices Hi-Speed USB Serial Adapter, USB to DB8
This hi-speed USB-to-serial adapter enables connection of Molecular Devices microplate readers to a computer when a serial port interface is required. The adapter converts a USB connection to the instrument serial interface and is documented by the manufacturer as the recommended USB serial accessory.
- Provides hi-speed USB-to-serial conversion.
- Converts USB to DB8 serial interface for instrument communication.
- Intended for connecting microplate readers to a PC serial port.
- External cable/adapter form factor for easy installation.
- Compatible with standard serial communication software and drivers.
Molecular Devices Photometric Filter, 340 nm, FilterMax F3/F5 Compatible
The Molecular Devices AD 340 photometric filter (P/N 6590-0019) is a single-wavelength optical filter centered at 340 nm, supplied as a slide-mounted accessory for multimode microplate readers that accept six-position filter slides. It is intended for absorbance and photometric assays requiring stable, narrowband wavelength selection and reproducible microplate measurements.
- Provides narrowband 340 nm wavelength selection for absorbance assays.
- Slide-mounted thin-film optical filter construction.
- Designed for use with six-position filter slide modules in multimode readers.
- Filter slot dimensions compatible with standard slide limits: excitation 12.2-12.7 mm, emission 17.7-18.0 mm, thickness 5.0-9.0 mm.
- Enables reproducible photometric measurements across microplate assays.
Molecular Devices Filter Kit, Standard, 7 Filters, 2 Slides
Replacement standard filter kit for the Molecular Devices SpectraMax iD5 multi-mode microplate reader. The kit provides a set of optical filters and slides used to configure the reader for common filter-based detection modes.
- Contains seven filters and two filter slides.
- Provides configurable filters for common fluorescence and filter-based detection modes.
- Supplied as a standard kit for instrument configuration and replacement of worn filters.
- Includes components intended for installation as instrument accessory slides and filter holders.
Molecular Devices Photometric Filter, Multimode, Compatible with FilterMax F3, F5
AD 340 photometric filter from Molecular Devices is an accessory designed for multimode microplate readers; it provides wavelength selection for photometric assays and is intended for microplate and ELISA applications.
- Compatible with FilterMax F3 and FilterMax F5 multimode microplate readers.
- For photometric measurements on microplates and ELISA assays.
- Sold individually, quantity per sell 1.
- Country of origin Austria.
Molecular Devices Laptop, Dell Latitude D620, 1.83 GHz, 2 GB RAM
The Molecular Devices PC Laptop Bundle (0310-4874) provides a ready-to-use laptop configured for instrument control, data acquisition, and basic office tasks when used with microplate readers.
- Dual-core 1.83 GHz processor.
- 2 GB RAM.
- 80 GB hard drive.
- 24x CD-RW/DVD optical drive.
- 14.1 in WXGA display.
- Includes office productivity and PDF software.
- Configured for microplate reader instrument control and data acquisition.
Molecular Devices Validation Plate, Absorbance, NIST-Traceable, ISO 17025 Recertifiable
The SpectraTest ABS2 Validation Plate from Molecular Devices is an automated absorbance validation tool used to verify the optical performance and sensitivity of absorbance-capable microplate readers. It provides NIST-traceable photometric checks and supports recertification to maintain GMP and GLP compliance; requires SoftMax Pro software version 6.5.1 or higher.
- Validates absorbance sensitivity and photometric accuracy.
- Automated certificate value entry for streamlined validation workflows.
- Compatible with absorbance-capable microplate readers and automated handling systems.
- Supports annual recertification with ISO 17025 traceability.
- Designed for GMP and GLP instrument performance verification.
- Factory recertification and repair services reduce downtime.