Welcome to Rave Robot’s Multi-mode Plate Reader list. We have included images and vendor links for each system as well as Rave Robot articles and review links. If you want us to add another multi-mode plate reader or want to contribute a review, please let us know.
What are Multi-mode Plate Readers?
Multi-mode plate readers are optics based analytical instruments that are capable of performing multiple types of assays including:
- Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assays (AlphaScreen®)(AlphaLISA®) (AlphaPlexTM)
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
- Fluorescence intensity (FI)
- Fluorescence polarization (FP)
- Flourescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
- Luminescence (Lum)
- Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF)
- Time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET)
- UV/vis absorbance spectra (UV/Vis)
When you work with automation in a chemistry or biologics lab, it is likely you work with multi-mode plate readers. There are many multi-mode plate readers on the market. However, not all of them are the same.
Types of multi-mode plate readers
Multi-mode plate readers can differ greatly from each other. Due to this we have included the following in the tables: Modes, Throughput, Optics. These details do not come from Rave Robot’s direct experience unless we state so. As such, they are intended to help readers delineate models and not make a statement of equivalent value. When you find a mistake, please tell us and we will fix it. As is always the case, you need to understand your workflows to choose the multi-mode reader that is right for you.
A nearly comprehensive list of multi-mode plate readers
Below is the list of multimode readers we have used or found while searching for our own laboratory automation needs. We are sure that there are other systems we’ve missed especially since new systems are designed and released each year. Please comment if there are other multi-mode plate readers that should be added to the list. When you do, we will research and add them. If you have an experience with or want to review a multimode reader, write it up. When you do, we will be happy to help you format and post your review.
CLARIOstarPlus, BMG Labtech
Modes:
AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA®, AlphaPlexTM, FI, FRET, FP,
Lum, TRF, TR-FRET, UV/Vis
Throughput:
6 – 1536 well plates+ LVis Plate 16 microspots (2 μL)
Optics:
filter, monochromator, laser
Vendor Link
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EnVision2105, PerkinElmer
Modes:
AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA®, FI, Lum, UV/Vis, TRF, TR-FRET
Throughput:
6-1536 well plates, 1 plate/36 sec
Optics:
monochromator and laser
Vendor Link:
PHERAstarFSX, BMG Labtech
Modes:
AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA®, AlphaPlexTM, FI, FRET, FP,
Lum, TRF, TR-FRET, UV/Vis
Throughput:
6 – 3456 well plates + LVis Plate 16 microspots (2 μL)
Optics:
filter, monochromator, laser
Vendor Link
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Spectramaxi3X, Molecular Devices
Modes:
FI, Lum, AlphaScreen®, TRF, UV/Vis
Throughput:
6-1536 well plates
Optics:
Cartridge filters, monochromator and laser
Vendor Link
Spark, Tecan
Modes:
UV/Vis, FI, TRF, FRET, TR-FRET, FP, Lum, AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA® & AlphaPlex®
Throughput:
Unknown
Optics:
monochromator and laser
Vendor Link
Spark, Tecan
Multimode plate microscopes
Since the list was too long, we split out the a shorter list that focusses on multimode readers that specialize in cell visualization and microscopy. As was stated above, we are sure that there are other systems we’ve missed. This is especially true since new systems are designed and released each year. When you want to add a new system, please comment. When you do, we will research and add them. If you have have an experience or review with a multimode reader, write it up. When you do, we will be happy to help you format and post your review.
Multi-mode plate readers can differ greatly from each other. Due to this we have included the following in the tables: Modes, Throughput, Optics. The details below are not necessarily from Rave Robot’s direct experience and are intended to help readers delineate models. When you find a mistake, please tell us and we will fix it.
| Multimode Plate Microscopes | Description and Rave Robot Articles |
 | Cellavista4 Synentec Rave Robot Preferred Review: None Modes: Microscopy (fluorescence 6 channels) Throughput: 6, 12, 24, 96, 384 well plates ~250 plates/day Optics: Excitation: Brightfield LED, up to 6 High-Power Fluorescence Excitation LEDs Emission: up to 4 Dichroic Mirrors and 6 Emission Filters. Experience: |
 | Cytation 5 Biotek Review: None Modes: Microscopy (fluorescence, brightfield, high contrast brightfield, color brightfield and phase contrast), fluorescence, luminescence, and UV-Vis absorbance detection, AlphaScreen® Throughput: 6 – 384 well plates (monochromator), 6 – 1536 well plates (filters and imaging) Optics: filter, monochromator and laser Experience: None |
Tell us about other Plate Readers
Did we miss any good multi-mode plate readers? Let us know!
If you have experience with one of the above plate readers, please leave a comment. When people want to write review or update lists, we are quick to contact them.
If you are interested in any of our other lists, check out Rave Robot’s List page.
