Home Analytical Chem Setting up the plate reader
Steps
  1. 1 Select the plate reader machine --:--
  2. 2 Configure wavelength and plate settings 00:20
  3. 3 Set grid area and timing parameters 00:53
  4. 4 Set up the standard curve 01:36
  5. 5 Name and configure experimental samples 02:11
  6. 6 Finalize setup and begin reading 02:51
Analytical Chem Bio-protocol Video Citable · DOI

Setting up the plate reader

DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.v165
Protocol
Difficulty
intermediate

Steps

1
Select the plate reader machine

Choose the Gemini XPS as the plate reader machine in Softmax Pro 6. This is the first step to initialize the instrument setup.

▶ --:--
2
Configure wavelength and plate settings

Access Settings and Kinetic Mode, then set the excitation wavelength to 544 nm and emission wavelength to 590 nm. Select 96-well Standard Opaque plate type.

▶ 00:20
3
Set grid area and timing parameters

Select the appropriate number of rows based on your sample count and configure the run time to 1 hour with 30-second intervals. Set the shake option to 5 seconds before the first read.

▶ 00:53
4
Set up the standard curve

Open Template Editor and create standard curve points in duplicate, naming each sample and entering its corresponding concentration. This establishes the reference data for analysis.

▶ 01:36
5
Name and configure experimental samples

Add and name all test samples according to your study design, specifying the dilution used for each sample. The naming will auto-increment for subsequent samples.

▶ 02:11
6
Finalize setup and begin reading

Click OK to save all template settings, then place your prepared plate into the machine and click the Read button to start the measurement process.

▶ 02:51

🚨 Failure Case Library (2) + Submit your own case

moderate
Negative Fluorescence Values
Fluorescence reader displays negative values, which is physically impossible
💡 4 · ✓ 5
moderate
High CV from Poorly Maintained Plate Reader
High coefficient of variation (>15%) across the plate with no obvious pattern. Signal intensity may drift over time or show unexpected variability between identical samples.
💡 5 · ✓ 5
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