2014 Microplate Handlers Product Survey
Microplate handlers are specialized robotic devices that transfer microtiter plates in three dimensional space from one location within a workflow to another. The “locations” are actually operations such as solvent addition (through liquid handling), aspiration, heating, shaking, incubation, washing, reading, and storage.
by
Trevor Henderson, PhD
Learn about ourEditorial Policies.
Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), is the creative services director at Lab Manager. He has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific...
ViewFull Profile.Learn about ourEditorial Policies.
Top 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Microplate Handler
- How many plates and plate types can the handler accommodate? An ANSI-compatible handler provides increased flexibility for those using multiple plate densities (ex. 96-, 384-, 1536-well) or low-volume plates, and interchangeable plate stacks accommodate varying throughput requirements.
- What is the transfer speed? Transfer speed is especially important for increased throughput. Adding a dual plate carrier keeps two plates in process, thus further increasing assay efficiency.
- Can the handler operate in portrait and landscape configurations? A rotational gripper option optimizes positioning of the microplate handler with its mating instrument, thus improving flexibility and efficient operation.
- Does the handler fit into a hood or biosafety cabinet? Placing a microplate handler within a hood or biosafety cabinet allows users to maintain personal safety and protect samples.
- Is the handler compatible with a wide variety of other instruments?
- Does it come with a barcode reader for easy microplate identification? Barcode scanning is especially useful for increased throughput.
Types of microplate handler(s) used by survey respondents:
| Microplate reader | 37% |
| Microplate centrifuge | 20% |
| Microplate washer | 14% |
| Microplate stacker | 12% |
| Microplate sealer | 8% |
| Microplate labeler | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Top 5 microplate handler applications as reported by survey respondents:
| Biotechnology | 27% |
| Clinical / diagnostics | 23% |
| Pharmaceutical / medicine | 18% |
| Education, research | 11% |
| Environmental | 6% |
Nearly 31% of respondents plan on purchasing a microplate handler in the next year. The budgets for these purchases are as follows:
 | Less than $1,000 | 8% |  |
 | $1,000-$2,000 | 15% | |
 | $2,000-$4,000 | 19% | |
 | $4,000-$8,000 | 8% | |
 | $8,000-$16,000 | 19% | |
 | $16,000+ | 31% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a microplate handler:
| Durability of Product | 88% |
| Performance of product | 85% |
| Availability of supplies and accessories | 77% |
| Low operating costs | 77% |
| Value for price paid | 77% |
| Service and support | 62% |
| Software | 62% |
| Warranties | 60% |
| Ease of use | 58% |
| Low maintenance/Easy to clean | 54% |
For more information on microplate handlers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/microplate-tech