Microplate Reader

Microplate Reader Accessories

<h2>What Are Microplate Reader Accessories?</h2>
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Microplate reader accessories are supplementary components that extend detection range, maintain instrument performance, and support compliance in regulated workflows. They fall into four groups: optical accessories (filters, filter cubes, and polarizers for wavelength selection in fluorescence and absorbance detection); illumination accessories (replacement xenon flash lamps, deuterium lamps, or LED upgrade modules that provide the excitation light source); calibration and validation tools (absorbance validation plates with certified reference values, fluorescence uniformity plates, and luminescence performance standards used to verify reader performance); and automation and software accessories (reagent injectors for kinetic luminescence assays, plate stackers for unattended batch reading, and software module licenses for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, spectral scanning, or advanced kinetics). Because accessory designs are manufacturer-specific, a filter block designed for one plate reader brand will not fit another; always order accessories using the instrument's model number as the primary specification parameter. Filter sets are the most commonly needed accessory for multi-mode readers; confirm the filter block format and thread size for your specific reader model before ordering, as filter cube dimensions vary significantly between manufacturers and generations.
&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find: </h2>
<ul>
<li data-section-id="23xybn" data-start="25" data-end="117">Replacement filters and optical accessories for maintaining microplate reader performance.</li>
<li data-section-id="71w1ic" data-start="118" data-end="209">Calibration and validation tools to support accurate and reproducible assay measurements.</li>
<li data-section-id="6jcbpl" data-start="210" data-end="312">Microplates and consumables compatible with absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence applications.</li>
<li data-section-id="y9aam2" data-start="313" data-end="396">Replacement components and maintenance accessories for routine instrument upkeep.</li>
<li data-section-id="qoq7y7" data-start="397" data-end="523" data-is-last-node="">Accessories designed to support ELISA, cell-based assays, nucleic acid quantification, and other microplate-based workflows.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose Microplate Reader Accessories</h2>
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Filter sets for fluorescence and absorbance.
Fluorescence filter sets (excitation filter, dichroic mirror, emission filter) must match both the fluorophore's excitation and emission spectra and the filter cube housing format of the specific reader. Most microplate reader filters use standard 25 mm diameter circular filters; some readers use 12 mm micro-filters. Common fluorescence filter sets: FITC/SYBR Green (Ex 485/12 nm, Em 520/10 nm); DAPI/Hoechst (Ex 360/40 nm, Em 460/40 nm); TRITC/PI (Ex 544/10 nm, Em 620/10 nm); Cy5 (Ex 620/10 nm, Em 680/10 nm). For absorbance, filter-based readers require individual narrow-bandpass filters at the wavelengths required by each assay protocol: 450 nm for ELISA, 595 nm for Bradford, 562 nm for BCA, 260 nm, and 280 nm for nucleic acid and protein.
Replacement lamps
Xenon flash lamps are the standard excitation source in high-quality fluorescence and absorbance microplate readers; typical lamp lifetime is 500 million flashes (approximately 3 to 5 years of daily use). Lamp output decreases gradually before failure; rising CV% in repeated measurements of the same standard is the first sign of lamp degradation. Replacement xenon flash lamps are model-specific; confirm part number from the instrument manual before ordering. Some instrument manufacturers have transitioned to LED-based excitation sources, which have much longer lifetimes (50,000+ hours) and do not require routine lamp replacement.
Calibration and validation plates
Calibration plates contain certified optical standards (neutral density filters, fluorescent reference dyes at known concentrations, or luminescent reference materials) in an SBS-format plate footprint for installation in the plate carriage. They are used to verify photometric accuracy, linearity, and inter-well uniformity (CV% across all 96 or 384 wells). These verifications are required in ISO 17025 accredited labs and GLP/GMP environments, and recommended as best practice for any lab relying on quantitative plate reader data. Validation plates are model-specific and must be re-certified periodically (typically annually) by the manufacturer.
Reagent injectors
Reagent injectors are syringe-pump accessories that dispense a defined volume of reagent into each well of a microplate immediately before or during reading, required for luminescence kinetic assays (luciferase, beta-galactosidase, flash luminescence from coelenterazine), where the signal decays rapidly after reagent addition. Single injectors add one reagent (e.g., luciferase substrate); dual injectors allow sequential addition of two reagents for sequential flash and glow luminescence detection. Injectors are model-specific and must be installed and calibrated by the manufacturer or a qualified service engineer.
Plate stackers and automation accessories
Plate stacker modules load and unload microplates automatically from a tray of 10 to 50 plates, allowing unattended overnight batch reading. Integration with laboratory robotics and LIMS extends this to fully automated plate reading workflows. Plate stackers are model-specific and typically sold as separate accessories from the reader. Confirm that the plate stacker is compatible with the specific plate type (96-well standard, 384-well, with or without sealing film) and the plate loading orientation.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Filter bandpass width (the FWHM of the filter transmission curve) affects sensitivity and selectivity. Narrower bandpass filters (10 nm FWHM) improve selectivity by excluding off-target fluorophore emission but transmit less light, reducing signal. Wider bandpass filters (20 to 40 nm) transmit more light for a brighter signal, but may allow bleed-through from closely overlapping fluorophores. In multiplex assays with two or more fluorophores, narrow bandpass emission filters reduce spectral cross-talk between channels. Optical density (OD) of the blocking region outside the transmission band should be at least OD 5 to OD 6 for fluorescence filters to prevent light leakage from the excitation source from reaching the detector.
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To discuss product availability or get selection guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">contact the MBP team</a>.

12-Channel Manifold

The MW9600-12CM by Accuris Instruments is the 12-channel wash manifold accessory for the Accuris SmartWasher 96 (MW9600), processing one 12-well row per stroke across the full 96-well plate in 8 strokes. It is a direct swap replacement for the 8-channel manifold (MW9600-8CM) and supports all standard SBS 96-well plate profiles. Order at mbpinc.net or contact MBP for institutional pricing.

Manufacture

8-Channel manifold

MW9600-8CM by Accuris Instruments is the 8-channel (1×8) column-oriented wash head manifold for the SmartWasher™ 96 MW9600 microplate washer, delivering 50–2,000 µL per well with ≤1 µL residual volume, supporting flat, U-, V-, and C-bottom 96-well plates and strip formats in full-plate or column-select mode.

<h2>What Are Microplate Readers?</h2>
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A microplate reader (also called a plate reader or microplate photometer) is a laboratory instrument that optically measures the contents of each well in a microplate by passing light through or from the sample and recording the resulting signal. Detection modes available in microplate readers include absorbance (transmission of light through the sample at a defined wavelength), fluorescence intensity (excitation of a fluorescent molecule and measurement of emission), luminescence (detection of light emitted from a chemiluminescent or bioluminescent reaction), time-resolved fluorescence (TRF, using lanthanide chelates for low-background assays), and fluorescence polarization (FP, for homogeneous binding assays). The 96-well plate is the standard format in academic research, with typical assay volumes of 50 to 200 microliters per well; 384-well plates reduce reagent consumption and are standard in drug discovery.&nbsp;
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<h2 dir="ltr">What you will find:</h2>
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<ul>
<li>Absorbance Microplate Readers: Instruments for ELISA, enzyme assays, and routine colorimetric measurements.</li>
<li>UV-Vis Microplate Readers: Readers for nucleic acid, protein, and other UV-Vis absorbance assays.</li>
<li>Multi-Mode Microplate Readers: Systems combining absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection for advanced assay workflows.</li>
<li>Automatic Injection Modules: Optional injectors for kinetic assays requiring reagent addition during measurement.</li>
<li><a href="https://mbpinc.net/equipments/microscopes-balances-and-analytical-equipment/microplate-instruments/microplate-reader/microplate-reader-accessories">Microplate reader accessories</a> including Filters, calibration plates, software, SmartDrop accessory plates, and other compatible accessories.</li>
</ul>
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<h2>How to Choose a Microplate Reader</h2>
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Single-mode absorbance vs. multi-mode reader
Single-mode absorbance readers cover colorimetric and UV-based assays across 340 to 850 nm and are lower cost, simpler to operate, and adequate for labs whose primary workflows are ELISA, protein assays, and OD-based quantification. Multi-mode readers add fluorescence intensity, luminescence, and optionally TRF and FP detection in one instrument. Choose a multi-mode reader when the lab regularly runs luciferase reporter assays, CellTiter-Glo or ATP viability assays (luminescence), Hoechst or SYBR Green fluorescent DNA quantification (fluorescence), or any assay that requires a detection mode beyond colorimetry.
Filter-based vs. monochromator systems
Filter-based readers use discrete bandpass filters for wavelength selection; one or a small set of filters defines the accessible wavelengths. They are less expensive, have faster reading speeds, and are sufficient when assay wavelengths are fixed and known in advance. Monochromator-based readers use a diffraction grating to continuously tune the excitation or emission wavelength across the full UV-Vis spectrum, providing complete spectral flexibility at a higher cost. Choose a filter-based reader for defined ELISA and standard colorimetric workflows; choose a monochromator system for novel assay development requiring custom wavelength selection.
Plate format and throughput
Most absorbance readers handle 6-well to 384-well SBS plates; high-throughput readers extend to 1536-well. Confirm that the plate carriage accepts both 96-well standard height and low-profile PCR plates if the instrument will be used for nucleic acid quantification. Reading speed matters in kinetic assays: confirm the reader's full-plate read time (seconds per plate at maximum sensitivity) and whether it supports top and bottom reading if cell-based fluorescence assays require bottom-read mode.
Incubation and shaking
For enzyme kinetics, cell viability assays, and microbial growth monitoring requiring temperature control, specify a reader with an integrated incubator (heating range ambient to 45 degrees C or 65 degrees C). On-board orbital or linear shaking is required for assays where sample mixing before or between reads improves signal quality (HTRF, homogeneous assays, turbid samples). Confirm whether the incubator and shaker function independently or require the reader to be stopped between reads.
Software and data management
Plate reader software ranges from simple endpoint reading with basic curve fitting (adequate for ELISA) to sophisticated kinetic analysis, data export to LIMS, 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, and custom protocol scripting. For high-throughput drug discovery or regulated pharmaceutical QC environments, confirm that the software meets the required data integrity and compliance standards before specifying the reader.
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<h2>Specifications Context</h2>
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Photometric accuracy for absorbance readers is specified as deviation from a certified absorbance reference standard at defined wavelengths; values of plus or minus 0.005 OD or better (at 1.000 OD) characterize research-grade readers. Well-to-well coefficient of variation (CV%) quantifies measurement consistency across a plate; below 1% CV at 1.0 OD is typical for quality absorbance readers. For fluorescence, sensitivity is expressed as signal-to-background ratio or limit of detection for a fluorescent standard (e.g., fluorescein at a defined concentration). For luminescence, background counts per well (counts per second on a dark, empty plate) determine sensitivity; lower background enables detection of dimmer luminescent signals from reporter assays with low expression or small cell numbers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
To discuss product availability or get selection guidance,&nbsp;<a href="https://mbpinc.net/contact-us">contact the MBP team</a>.

User Manual

Product Literature

Accuris SmartWasher™ 96 Microplate Washer

MW9600 by Accuris Instruments is a 96-well microplate washer with 50–2000 µl programmable dispense volume, 3-point aspiration at 0.1 mm precision, and ≤1 µl residual volume per well. Stores 100 programs with up to 99 cycles each; 8- and 12-channel manifolds available separately.

Control and Display

Wash Heads

Wash Modes

Compatible Microplates

Residual Liquid Volume

Dispensing Volume Range

Wash Cycles

Program Storage Capacity

Rinse Function Time Range

Soak and Shaking Time Range

Wash Bottle Level Warning

Wash Solution Channels

Waste Bottle Level Warning

Waste Aspiration

Dimensions

Weight

SmartWasher™ 96 Microplate Washer for 96 Well Plates, manifolds not included, 115V

SmartWasher™ 96 Microplate Washer for 96 Well Plates, manifolds not included, 230V

Brochure

Accuris SmartReader 96, models MR9600 and MR9600-T

Accuris™ MR9600 Microplate Reader

The MR9600 by Accuris Instruments is a 96-well absorbance microplate reader with a 340–750 nm wavelength range, four included filters (405, 450, 492, 630 nm), and a &lt;6 second full-plate read time. A quartz-halogen light source and integrated touch-screen control make it a capable standalone ELISA, protein quantitation, and cytotoxicity reader. Optional PC software and incubation (MR9600-T) extend functionality for kinetic assays. Contact MBP for pricing and institutional orders.

Model

Light Source

Wavelength range

Half-Bandwidth of filters

Readout Range

Linearity (405nm)

Test Speed

Incubator (MR9600-T)

Shaking

User Interface

Storage

Ports

Warranty

SmartReader™ 96 Microplate Absorbance Reader, for 96 Well Plates, 115V

SmartReader™ 96 Microplate Absorbance Reader, for 96 Well Plates, 230V

SmartReader™ 96 Microplate Absorbance Reader, for 96 Well Plates, with Incubation, 115V

SmartReader™ 96 Microplate Absorbance Reader, for 96 Well Plates, with incubation, 230V

Digital Peristaltic Pumps

Accuris™ MR9610/MR9611 Accessories

Accuris™ MR9610 UV-Vis Microplate Reader

Accuris MR9610 SmartReader UV-Vis Microplate Reader by Accuris Instruments covers 200–1000 nm (±2 nm) with a xenon flash lamp and monochromator, reads 96- and 384-well flat-bottom plates in under 6 seconds, and operates via a 10-inch color touchscreen without an external PC. Includes onboard temperature control (ambient +5°C to 45°C) and optional SmartDrop accessory.

SmartReader™ UV-Vis Microplate Absorbance Reader, 115V

SmartReader™ UV-Vis Microplate Absorbance Reader, 230V

SmartReader™ UV-Vis Microplate Absorbance Reader with Cuvette Port, 115V

SmartReader™ UV-Vis Microplate Absorbance Reader with Cuvette Port, 230V

Accuris SmartReader™ Multimode

Automatic Injection Module for MR9620, set of 1

Automatic Injection Module for MR9620, set of 2

SmartDrop™ Accessory Plate for UV-Range Microplate Readers

SmartReader™ PC Software (Research Version)

SmartReader™ Multimode PC Security Software (FDA 21 CFR Part 11)

Optional Accessories for SmartReader™ Multimode Plate Reader

Accuris™ MR9620 SmartReader MultiMode Plate Reader

MR9620 by Accuris Instruments is a standalone multimode microplate reader covering absorbance (200–1000 nm), fluorescence intensity, and luminescence, with a built-in 10" touchscreen for PC-free operation. Full 96-well absorbance scans complete in under 15 seconds; 6- to 384-well plate formats supported; optional FDA 21 CFR Part 11 software available.

Measurement Technologies

Plate Formats

Incubation Range

Display

Communication Ports

Dimensions (WxDxH)

Power Input

Absorbance Wavelength Accuracy

Detector

Detection Limit

Range

Excitation Light Source

Measurement Speed

SmartReader™ MultiMode Plate Reader, 115V

SmartReader™ MultiMode Plate Reader, 230V

MR9620-AIM1 by Accuris Instruments is the Automatic Injection Module (set of 1, single injector) for the Accuris MR9620 SmartReader Multimode Microplate Reader, which reads absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence across 6–384 well plates in under 15 seconds. The AIM1 enables on-board reagent injection for flash luminescence, kinetic fluorescence, and real-time enzyme assays requiring precise time-zero reagent addition during the read cycle.

The MR9620-AIM2 by Accuris (Benchmark Scientific) is a set of two automatic injection modules for the Accuris MR9620 SmartReader MultiMode Plate Reader, designed for luminescence assays requiring precise reagent injection at time of detection. Each module dispenses 5–1000 µL (±1 µL accuracy) at 125–500 µL/s, enabling dual-reagent injection for dual-luciferase, ATP-viability, and kinetic luminescence assays.

Calibration plate for MR9600 SmartReader 96

The MR9600-CAL by Accuris Instruments is the dedicated calibration plate for the Accuris SmartReader 96 microplate absorbance reader (MR9600 and MR9600-T). It incorporates neutral density filters to verify seven optical performance parameters — including absorbance accuracy, linearity, cross-talk, and IR jamming — supporting in-lab IQ/OQ/PQ programs and GLP documentation without off-site service.

Extra paper rolls for MR9600-TP printer, pk/4

The MR9600-PA by Accuris (Benchmark Scientific) is a 4-roll pack of replacement direct thermal paper for the Accuris MR9600-TP thermal printer, which connects to the SmartReader 96 MR-9600 microplate absorbance reader. Manufacturer-specified rolls ensure correct fit and print quality in the MR9600-TP printer mechanism.

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 340 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 370 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 380 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 405 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 415 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 420 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 450 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 470 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 492 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 510 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 520 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 532 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 540 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 546 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 560 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 562 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 570 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 578 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 590 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 595 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 600 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 620 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 630 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 650 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 663 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 665 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 680 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 690 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 700 nm

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader, 750 nm

Accuris Microplate Reader Filters

Filter for Accuris Microplate Reader

The MR9600-FLT by Accuris (Benchmark Scientific) is a narrowband interference filter for the Accuris SmartReader 96 MR9600 microplate absorbance reader. Available across 26 wavelengths from 340 to 750 nm—including 405, 450, 492, 562, 595, and 630 nm—each filter loads directly into the MR9600 8-position filter wheel to support ELISA, BCA, Bradford, MTS, and other colorimetric assays.

SmartReader PC Software for MR9600 and MR9600-T

MR9600-PC by Accuris Instruments is the Windows PC software for the SmartReader 96 absorbance microplate reader (MR9600 and MR9600-T), enabling remote protocol programming, plate-layout configuration, kinetic scheduling, and curve-fitting analysis across the reader's 340–750 nm filter-based detection range, with .csv data export via USB.