Chapter 3: Getting Started
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Plate Recommendations
The instrument can read SBS standard plates.
The FilterMax F3 can read 96-well and 384-well plates.
The FilterMax F5 can read 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384, 1536-well plates.
Note:
When an application specifies a surface treatment, use only plates with the
correct treatment.
Select a plate type with properties suited for the application.
For Absorbance (ABS) reads, use clear, UV-clear, white with clear bottom, or black with
clear bottom polystyrene or film plates. Polypropylene or PVC plates do not provide
sufficient optical quality.
When reading optical density at wavelengths below 340 nm, use special UV-transparent,
disposable, or quartz plates that permit transmission of the far UV spectra.
For Fluorescence Intensity (FL) top reads, use solid black plates.
For Fluorescence Intensity(FL) bottom reads use black with clear bottom plates.
For Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) reads, use solid white plates.
For Luminescence (LUM) reads, use solid black plates unless the signal is weak enough to
require the higher sensitivity of solid white plates. With strong signals, white plates can
produce crosstalk.
For Fluorescence Polarization (FP) reads, use solid black plates.
You should use an unlidded plate for fluorescence polarization measurements.
The SoftMax Pro Software includes a plate list and you can use the software to define
additional plate types with the manufacturer's specifications for well size, spacing, and
distance from the plate edge.
The type of plate and the way you handle it can have an effect on the measurement
performance of the instrument. Select a plate type with properties suited for the application
and for use with multi-mode microplate readers.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the instrument, the height of the plate must not
exceed 17 mm, including the lid if the plate is lidded.
General plate handling guidelines:
Never touch the clear well bottom of plates.
Visually inspect the bottom and rim of the plate before use to make sure that they are
free of dirt and contaminants.
Keep unused plates clean and dry.
Make sure that the strips on strip plates are inserted correctly and level with the frame.
Do not use V-bottom plates unless the performance has been tested and validated with
this instrument. Irregular plastic density in the tip of the well can cause inaccurate
measurements.
