How Microplate Spectrophotometers Work & How We Save You Time & Money

The Advantages of Excedr’s Microplate Reader Leasing Program:

• Eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing equipment by spreading its cost over time
• Minimizes equipment downtime with included complete repair coverage and preventive maintenance
• Takes advantage of potentially 100% tax deductible* payments, providing you significant cash-savings
• Expedites the administrative work needed for instrument procurement and logistics
• Conserves working capital,  enabling you to reinvest in your core business and operations (staffing, inventory, marketing/sales, etc.)
• Accommodates all manufacturer and model preferences

*Please consult your tax advisor to determine the full tax implications of leasing equipment.

Microplate readers are used to detect biological, chemical, or physical events—as well as properties and analytes—within the device’s well plates via the measurement of light.

Plate readers/detectors are found in a wide variety of laboratories and see extensive use in numerous applications across a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Life sciences 
• Basic research
• Target discovery/Lead discovery
• Bioassay validation
• Quality control
• Drug safety
• Toxicity testing
• Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes

Furthermore, plate readers are found in both industrial and academic settings, as well as food, cosmetics, and environmental research. 

Depending on the manufacturer, plate readers can be equipped with a 96- or 384-well microplate or a standard cuvette, and can handle large amounts of samples in minutes or even seconds thanks to a wide range of well formats and multi-channel optics. 

Furthermore, the use of robotic microplate stackers increases throughput. If your lab is in need of high-throughput screening (HTS) and detection, microplate readers are an excellent addition to your lab. Automation is a key feature and allows for integration into automated systems and workflows.

Plate readers help reduce operational time while saving on reagent costs as well, allowing researchers and scientists to spend more time on data analysis.

Sometimes called microplate spectrophotometers or photometers—these singe- and multi-mode instruments work similarly to spectrophotometers, however, the method of photometry used differs. 

While a standard spectrophotometer only measures one sample at a time in a cuvette, an absorbance plate reader can measure the same application with much higher throughput. 

Readers largely differ by the type of detection mode they offer. Samples that are pipetted into the wells produce, convert, or transmit light signals that are detected using a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The PMT converts the photons into electricity that is then quantified by the plate reader.

The most common detection modes include: 

• Absorbance (Visible and UV-Vis)
• Fluorescence intensity
• Luminescence 

Readers may also include additional detection modules such as those for: 

• AlphaScreen®
• Nephelometry

Depending on the optical signal changes that occur during a reaction, samples may need to be excited by light at specific wavelengths. Detection mode is based on the type of excitation that needs to occur to detect a signal. 

Plate readers support various wavelength ranges. To ensure only specific wavelengths are used, the light produced by the light source is selected by a specific excitation filter or monochromator.

Excitation light is usually provided by a broad band xenon flash lamp, however, detecting luminescence doesn’t require a light source as the samples emit light on their own through chemical or biochemical reactions. 

Increasing sensitivity and specificity can also be controlled by filters or monochromators, however, these devices are usually placed between the sample and detector.

In terms of plate reader price, it truly varies. Simpler scanners that only have one detection module are relatively affordable. If you increase the number of detection modules, the cost rises proportionally. 

However, technology has vastly improved over the years and there are now competitively priced microplate readers out on the market. Whatever your research needs, Excedr can help. 

From microplate readers to spectrophotometers and cell imaging multi-mode microplate readers, we have you covered. Connect with us by calling +1 888-927-3802 or filling out our contact form to specify your equipment leasing needs.

Operating Lease

This off-balance sheet financing structure provides three options at the end of the term. The lessee has the option to return the equipment to the lessor, renew at a discounted rate, or purchase the instrument for the fair market value. Monthly payments are also 100% tax deductible which yields additional monetary savings.

Sale-Leaseback

If you recently bought equipment, Excedr can offer you cash for your device and convert your purchase into a long-term rental. This is called a sale-leaseback. If you’ve paid for equipment within the last ninety days, we can help you recoup your investment and allow you to make low monthly payments. This also frees up money in your budget rather than tying it down to a fixed asset.