Microplates (also called “microtitre,” “microtiter ®,” or “micro titration” plates) provide a rapid way to analyze large numbers of tests. Samples are typically on the order of a few hundred µL, and a large number of plates can be measured in a short period of time. A 96 well plate is commonly used for these analyses, however 12, 24, 48, 384, and 1536 well plates are also available.

A broad variety of analytical measurements can be performed in microplates including absorbance (OD), luminescence (L), fluorescence intensity (F), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), and fluorescence polarization (FP). In each case, the fundamental measurement is the same as when a standard cuvette is used, but the instrument (called a “reader”) is capable of reading the entire plate is less than a minute and generate a complete report.

While the general design of a reader is identical to that of a cuvette system (e.g. an absorbance reader is similar in nature to a spectrometer), the optics are configured such that 96 samples can be read on a plate with an 8 x 12 format.

 

The Luminescence QC Pak™ consists of:

1. a Luminescence Standard Plate
2. an Evaluation Software Template
3. a 9V battery charger
4. “Short Installation Instructions”
5. “Certificate of Validation”

The Luminescence Plate consists of a microplate housing, a battery, a charging circuit, 2 light-emitting diodes (LED’s), a mesh of fiber optics woven into a screen, a reflective panel, a diffuser, and pattern of masks and filters to regulate the light.

The Excel Template calculates a variety of parameters such as linearity, crosstalk between wells, and alignment of the plate in the reader. A report is automatically generated which can be printed and/or archived

The following items are included in

Luminescence QC Pak :

A Test Microplate

A CD Rom

A Battery Charger

Short Installation Instructions

If any component of the shipment is missing or damaged, please contact your shipping company and Innovative Instruments, Inc.

It is esssential that the plate is kept free of dust, fingerpringts, and moisture. In the event cleaning is necessary, optical grade lens paper should be used.

The minimum computer requirements for QC Pak are:

Microsoft Windows 2000

Intel Pentium III 500 MHz

128 MB RAM

100 MB Free Hard Disk

Excel 97

 

The Luminescence Test Plate is shipped fully charged and ready to use. The fully charged Luminescence Test Plate will emit light for about 50 hours before recharging is needed.

To recharge the plate, connect the 9 V AC power supply (included) to a wall socket.

 

Verify that the Luminescence Test Plate is switched Off, and connect the 9 V plug.

Charging is underway if the green LED between the power connector and the power switch blinks.

Charging is complete when the LED stops blinking and remains lit, normally within 2 hours.

 

Figure 1: Connector / Indicator / Switch

 

Charging Conditions:

• temperature limit during charge 0 ° C to 40 ° C
• temperature limit during discharge -30 ° C to 50 ° C
• temperature limit with no current -40 ° C to 55 ° C
• lifetime when stored at 0 ° C to 35°C 3 to 6 years
• lifetime when stored at 35 ° C to 50°C about 2.5 years