Microplate Reader Instrument Models

Range of options that provide flexibility, performance, and ease of use for a variety of microplate assays.

Choosing a microplate reader that best suits your research needs

Thermo Scientific microplate readers offer flexibility, performance, and ease of use for a variety of microplate assays. From routine to challenging plate-based assays, we offer versatile and adaptable solutions for your research. Available detection modes include fluorescence, absorbance, turbidimetry, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), and AlphaScreen assays. Choosing the microplate reader that is right for you depends on your application, sample size, and overall laboratory needs. Explore the selection guide below and choose a model for more information.

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Selection guide—Which reader fits best?

 

Multiskan FC

Multiskan SkyHigh

Varioskan ALF

Varioskan LUX

Overview
Easy-to-use microplate photometer designed with over 40 years of experience with the well-known Multiskan product brand. This instrument provides proven performance and reliable results in an ELISA assays or in a variety of other research and routine applications through innovative detection design and built-in self-diagnostics. The UV/VIS microplate spectrophotometer ideal for a variety of endpoint, kinetic and spectral assays. Equipped with large touchscreen for stand-alone use with ready-made assay protocols for the most common DNA, RNA, and protein assays.  Offers access to Thermo Fisher Connect and Microsoft OneDrive cloud-based tools for secure and remote data management. Versatile, entry level multimode microplate reader for variety of UV-vis absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence microplate assays. SkanIt PC software with validated protocols and visual workflow guarantees ease of use and effortless data analysis. A top-of-the-art multimode microplate reader offering up to five measurement technologies, including absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence and Alpha. Besides excellent performance in all applications, it offers huge selection of automatic features to help you save time and reduce common errors in the lab.
Detection technology
Absorbance, turbidimetry Absorbance, turbidimetry Absorbance, turbidimetry, fluorescence, luminescence Absorbance, turbidimetry, fluorescence.
Optional: time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), luminescence, Alpha Screen
Absorbance, filter based      
     
Absorbance, monochromator based      
 
Fluorescence intensity, filter based      
     
Fluorescence intensity, monochromator based      
     
Fluorescence intensity, top reading      
   
Fluorescence intensity, bottom reading      
     
Time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), filter based      
     
Luminescence, filter based      
   
Luminescence, monochromator based      
     
Luminescence, glow assays      
   
Luminescence, flash assays      
     
Alpha Screen, filter based      
     
Reagent dispensers      
     
CO2/O2 control       
     
Incubation, from ambient + 4 °C to 45 °C      
Shaking      
Linear Linear Linear, orbital, double-orbital Orbital
Microplate types      
96, 384 6-48*, 96, 384 6-48, 96, 384 6-48, 96,  384, 1536
Cuvette port      
     
µDrop plate compatibility      
 
User interface      
Color LCD or PC Touch screen or PC PC PC
SkanIt software compatibility      
Automation compatibility       
Upgradeable       
     
21 CFR Part 11 compliance      

All Thermo Scientific microplate readers are paired with the powerful and intuitive SkanIt Software, enabling excellent usability and flexibility. The SkanIt software is license free and allows multiple users for operation and data processing. 

 

  Single-mode readers Multi-mode readers
 

Multiskan FC

Multiskan SkyHigh

Varioskan ALF

Varioskan LUX

Overview Basic filter-based absorbance reader; reliable, and budget-friendly for ELISAs and colorimetric assays. Monochromator-based spectrophotometer; easy-to-use, and suitable for low-volume analysis with µDrop plates.  Versatile, entry-level multimode reader with robust absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence detection.  Advanced multimode reader with up to 5 detection modes, automated optimization, and modular upgrades.
Detection modes
Detection technology Absorbance, turbidimetry Absorbance, turbidimetry Absorbance, turbidimetry, fluorescence, luminescence Absorbance, turbidimetry, fluorescence.
Optional: time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), luminescence, AlphaScreen
Monochromator-based modes N/A Absorbance Absorbance Absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF
Filter-based modes Absorbance N/A Fluorescence, luminescence Luminescence, TRF, AlphaScreen
Spectral scanning  N/A Absorbance Absorbance Absorbance, fluorescence, luminescence, TRF
Reading option     Top Top and Bottom
Automatic gain adjustment    
Multi-point reading      
Additional features
Shaking Linear Linear Linear, orbital, double-orbital Orbital
Incubation, from ambient + 4 °C to  45 °C
Reagent dispensers      
CO2/O2 control       
Automation compatibility 
21 CFR Part 11 compliance
Upgradeable       
Compatible labware 
Plate format 96-well plates
(384-wells optional)
6-to 48-well plates*, 96- and 384-well plates 6- to 48-, 96- and 384-well plates 6- to 48-, 96-, 384- and 1536-well plates 
µDrop and µDrop Duo plates  
Cuvette port  
General specification
User interface Color LCD or PC Touch screen or PC PC PC
SkanIt software compatibility

*Maximum plate height with lid is 19.5 mm

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.