Microplate reader washer

Introduction

A microplate reader washer is a laboratory instrument that combines a microplate reader with an automated microplate washer, providing both the measurement and the washing of microplate wells in one instrument, and it is used in molecular biology, biochemistry, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery for microplate-based assays, especially immunoassays. The washer function automatically aspirates and dispenses liquids in the wells of the microplate, washing the wells to remove unbound reagents between the steps of an assay, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the reader function measures the absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence of the wells after the assay; the combination of the washer and the reader in one instrument automates the assay procedure, increasing the throughput and consistency and reducing manual labor, and the instrument is programmed for the washing protocol, including the number of wash cycles, the dispense and aspirate volumes, and the soaking time, and it provides precise and reproducible washing, and the reader provides the quantitative measurement, with data analysis software. Microplate reader washers are used for ELISA and other immunoassays, for cell-based assays, for protein and nucleic acid assays, for diagnostic testing, for drug screening, and for many other applications, in clinical and research laboratories, and they are available in various configurations, with features such as multiple wash buffers, adjustable wash protocols, and multi-mode reading. With their combined washing and reading, microplate reader washers are efficient instruments for microplate-based assays.

Microplate Reader & Washer LMPRW-T2010

Microplate Reader & Washer is an automatic unit comes with user-friendly windows system and has an Teflon coating probe for providing protection against cross contamination, has program...

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Standards

IEC 61010-2-101:2018-Particular requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical equipment

IEC 61010-2-081:2015-Particular requirements for automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Microplate washer for automated washing of microplates in ELISA and cell assays.

2. Precision aspiration and dispensing for consistent washing of 96/384-well plates.

3. Suitable for immunology, clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research labs.

4. Includes washer head, manifold, aspiration/dispensing system, controller and manual.

5. Supports automated plate washing for ELISA, cell-based assays and high-throughput screening.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this washer mainly applied to?

A: The microplate washer is used in immunology laboratories, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, academic research and high-throughput screening facilities to automatically wash microplates (96-well, 384-well) by precise aspiration and dispensing of wash buffer for ELISA, cell-based assays and other plate-based assays requiring washing steps. It supports ELISA plate washing (between antibody incubation steps, before substrate addition), cell-based assay washing (removal of media, reagents, non-adherent cells), high-throughput screening plate processing, clinical diagnostic immunoassay washing, nucleic acid hybridization plate washing, and general microplate washing applications. The automated washer provides consistent, reproducible washing with minimal residual volume, reducing operator variability and improving assay precision compared to manual washing, essential for reliable quantitative assay results.

Q2: What standards does the washer comply with?

A: The microplate washer follows relevant ISO, ASTM, CLSI and GB/T standards for laboratory liquid handling equipment, including IEC 61010 laboratory electrical safety standards, IEC 61326 EMC standards, and applicable in vitro diagnostic (IVD) regulations if used for clinical diagnostics (FDA, CE, NMPA). The hardware complies with applicable safety standards. For clinical use, follow ISO 15189, CAP or CLIA as applicable. Calibration should verify aspiration/dispensing volume accuracy and residual volume. Users should verify regulatory approval status for clinical applications. Software should comply with applicable data integrity requirements for regulated use.

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole washer and key components?

A: The whole microplate washer is covered by a 12-month warranty. The washer head, manifold, aspiration/dispensing pumps, controller, software and housing are covered, while tubing, gaskets, O-rings, wash buffers and fuses are consumables or accessories. Damage from improper use, clogging, fluid spills or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended service contracts are available for this laboratory automation equipment.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation requires trained laboratory personnel familiar with microplate assays, liquid handling and washer maintenance. We provide operation manuals, training and application support. Proper plate type selection, wash buffer preparation, program setup (aspiration/dispensing volume, number of washes, soak time), manifold maintenance (cleaning, unclogging), residual volume optimization, cross-contamination prevention and assay-specific protocols are important for effective, consistent plate washing.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: Aspiration/dispensing volume verification recommended every 3-6 months. Residual volume measurement periodically (critical for assay performance). Manifold and tubing inspection for clogging/corrosion. Routine cleaning and decontamination. Full washer performance verification annually. Pump and valve maintenance per schedule. Software updates per manufacturer.

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Wash buffer (PBS, TBS, assay-specific), tubing, gaskets, O-rings, cleaning solutions (bleach, ethanol, distilled water), microplates and fuses are available from laboratory suppliers, though manifold/tubing parts may be instrument-specific. Long-term consumable cost depends on wash buffer usage and maintenance frequency.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes plate types (96, 384 well), wash head configuration (8-channel, 16-channel, full plate), automation level (manual loading, integrated with reader/stacker), vacuum/pump system, dispense volume range, residual volume control, temperature control, shaking, software features and accessories. Additional manifolds, tubing and accessories can be ordered separately. Custom orders extend delivery lead-time.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes the microplate washer and accessories with an operation manual. On-site installation, calibration and training are not included for standard orders but can be arranged at additional cost. Remote guidance is provided.

Q10: What types of plates are compatible with this equipment?

A: The microplate washer washes 96-well and 384-well microplates (ELISA plates, cell culture plates, filtration plates) within the plate type, well geometry and washer specification. Different plate types require specific wash programs: ELISA plates (standard U-bottom or flat-bottom, moderate residual volume), cell culture plates (tissue-culture treated, gentle aspiration to avoid cell loss, lower residual volume for adherent cells), filtration plates (vacuum filtration may be required instead of aspiration). Very high or low well walls may affect manifold positioning. Users should select appropriate plate type for the assay (ELISA plates for immunoassays, cell culture plates for cell-based assays), use proper wash buffer (PBS with Tween for ELISA, media or PBS for cell assays), program correct aspiration/dispensing volume (typically 200-300 uL per well for 96-well), set appropriate number of washes (typically 3-5 for ELISA), optimize residual volume (lower is better for sensitivity but too low can dry out wells/cells - typically <50 uL for ELISA, <20 uL for cell assays), avoid cross-contamination (use separate manifolds or clean between assays, avoid carryover from high-concentration wells), maintain proper manifold height (too low can scratch wells/cells, too high leaves residual volume), clean manifold regularly (clogged tips cause uneven washing - soak in bleach or ethanol, use distilled water rinse), follow proper waste handling (wash buffer waste may contain biohazardous or chemical materials - dispose per regulations), and for cell-based assays, use gentle aspiration (avoid detaching adherent cells - use lower vacuum, angled manifold tips). The washer should be placed on a stable, level surface. The wash buffer should be properly filtered (0.22 um) to prevent particulate clogging the manifold. The waste container should be emptied regularly (do not allow waste to back up into the washer). For assays with volatile or toxic wash buffers, use proper ventilation. The washer should be flushed with distilled water after use and before storage (prevent salt crystallization and clogging). For high-throughput applications, integrate with plate stacker or robotic system for automated processing. The residual volume should be verified periodically (use gravimetric or dye method) to ensure consistent washing performance. For ELISA, the washing step is critical - insufficient washing causes high background, excessive washing can reduce signal (especially for low-affinity antibodies) - optimize wash conditions per assay.