2016 Microplate Reader Survey Results
Learn the most common types of microplate handlers and more from our latest product survey results
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.
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 | 83% |
| Microplate centrifuge | 46% |
| Microplate washer | 35% |
| Microplate stacker | 17% |
| Microplate sealer | 15% |
| Microplate labeler | 9% |
| Other | 11% |
Top 5 microplate handler applications as reported by survey respondents:
| Education, Research | 43% |
| Biotechnology | 33% |
| Clinical/Diagnostics | 24% |
| Pharmaceutical/Medicine | 20% |
| Environmental | 9% |
Nearly 44% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new micoplate handler. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
| Replacement of an aging system | 38% |
| Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 38% |
| Setting up a new lab | 12% |
| First time purchase | 10% |
| Other | 2% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a microplate handler:
| Durability of product | 83% |
| Performance of product | 81% |
| Ease of use | 77% |
| Value for price paid | 76% |
| Availability of supplies and accessories | 73% |
| Service and support | 69% |
| Low operating costs | 67% |
| Low maintenance / easy to clean | 65% |
| Total cost of ownership | 65% |
| Software | 56% |
For more information on microplate handlers, visit www.labmanager.com/microplate-tech
