Enhanced Dynamic Range

What is the dynamic range of a microplate reader?

Dynamic range is defined as “the ratio between the largest and smallest value that a certain quantity can assume”. In the context of microplate reader-based detection, the dynamic range refers to the extent of either sample concentrations/dilution or signal intensities that a reader is capable of measuring in a single detection run.

As an example, if the lowest sample concentration measured is 1 µM and the maximal 1,000 µM, then the respective dynamic range spans from 1 to 1,000 and covers three decades of concentrations. 

In empiric science, sample signal intensities might span over more than three decades, for instance in experiments where the highest concentration is one million times higher than the lowest (1 to 1,000,000, equals 6 decades). An instrument being able to detect both signals in a single measurement run covers a dynamic range of six decades. 

Why is a large dynamic range beneficial?

Analytes often cover a vast range of concentrations, making sample signals that have to be measured on a plate reader, span over a wide range of signal intensities – from dim to very bright. In addition, samples of enzymatic or cell-based kinetic assays are often hard to predict in their signal intensity, as their maximum signal builds up over a lapse of time during the course of the kinetic. 

This high variability can be hardly covered by a narrow dynamic range. Specifically, low signals might not be distinguishable from negative controls/blanks or high signals might result in an overflow of the signal detector as both are “outside” of the dynamic range. To cope with this issue, multiple measurements of the same plate are required in order to cover the whole range. 

This is more complicated for kinetic assays. Here users usually have to find a compromise between sensitivity and width of the dynamic range. In the case of detector saturation because of out-of-range signals, the kinetic has to be repeated with a lower fluorescence gain or luminescence gain value. This results in a waste of time and reagents. The Enhanced Dynamic Range (EDR) technology prevents these issues.

Enhanced Dynamic Range

EDR was developed for the CLARIOstar Plus and VANTAstar plate reader and is specifically designed to offer the largest possible dynamic range - 8 concentration decades. This provides researchers with an unprecedented convenience in microplate measurements as highly reliable results can be measured over a large dynamic range with no manual intervention.

In order to understand the principle of EDR technology, conventional signal detection needs to be explained first. The light signal of the sample in a microplate well is directed to a detector, a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The PMT transforms and multiplies the energy of photons into a detectable electrical current. 

The incoming light signal can be amplified by an amplification factor: the gain. More precisely, the gain is the voltage of the detector at which the incoming light signal is amplified. In other words, changing the gain moves the dynamic range of detection along the concentration curve of the analyte/assay. However, the width of the dynamic range is fixed and does not change.