Ask Yourself These Questions Before Buying a Microplate Reader

Most commonly used in biological research, microplate readers are offered with multiple read modes and numerous accessory options, so finding the microplate reader that is the right fit for your lab can be challenge, there are a lot of choices. Before purchasing a microplate reader, consider the following questions.

  

What is the transfer speed?

Transfer speed most directly affects throughput. If you are operating a high volume laboratory, transfer speed is especially important. Also consider in investing in a dual plate carrier, which allows two plates to be processed simultaneously, further increasing productivity and throughput.

 

Does the handler fit in a hood or biosafety cabinet?

If you are working with samples that could potentially be hazardous, contaminate the workplace, or be easily corrupted, processing them in a hood or biosafety cabinet allows users to maintain their safety while also protecting the integrity of the sample.

 

What options are available?

Different microplate readers offer a wide variety of options. It’s important to determine what your lab truly needs, both so that you don’t spend money on functionality you don’t need and so that you invest in a piece of equipment that will best suit the needs of your organization.

 

Is it upgradeable?

It’s no secret that equipment can very quickly become outdated or obsolete if the user doesn’t stay on top of updates and upgrades. This is especially true when dealing with analytical equipment. While an upgradable piece of equipment may potentially be more expensive at first, not having to reinvest in a brand new piece of equipment once the present one becomes outdated will ultimately save more money in the long run.  Click here to view our used microplate reader active inventory