New feature helps to increase data quality of high-throughput screening assays

 

BMG LABTECH recently launched the Advanced Assay Stability (AAS) system for the high-end microplate reader PHERAstar FSX at the SLAS 2023 in San Diego, USA.

This brand-new feature enables a stable detection environment inside of the microplate reader despite external temperature fluctuations. It empowers the PHERAstar FSX to match room temperature and to be maintained at any temperature between 18 and 45°C. The new system is engineered to perfectly fit the needs of high-throughput screening facilities and even your lab.

Stable thermodynamic conditions for temperature-sensitive applications 

Temperature can significantly affect experimental results, especially when screening assays in 384- or 1536-well formats. Changes in thermodynamic conditions can influence many events including molecular interactions, the efficiency and kinetics of biochemical reactions, and assay photon yield. This can result in irreproducible results, potential false positive signals and poor statistical outcomes. This is where the new AAS system makes the difference! It stabilizes the temperature in the microplate reader by automatically heating or cooling the measurement chamber depending on the external environment.  Thereby, it makes sure that all samples are measured under the same conditions and minimizes assay variability. 

What makes the difference?

In the lab, the room temperature can fluctuate over time depending on several factors like time of day and exposure to sunlight, staffing, heat from neighbouring instrumentation and use of heating or air conditioning. The PHERAstar FSX with AAS maintains the selected temperature even below room temperature, regardless of external temperature fluctuations, providing a consistent environment for temperature-sensitive and kinetic assays. This further makes assays even more reproducible across laboratories in different locations and environments. 

Screening campaigns easily run up to several hours or even days. The PHERAstar FSX with AAS system guarantees that the very first plate in a batch is measured under the same conditions as the very last plate. Reduced sample evaporation compared to a conventional plate reader is another benefit you don’t want to miss, especially when working in high-density plates! 

Where to find more information?

If you want to learn more about how the PHERAstar FSX with AAS can benefit your research, please visit our technology page. For access to measurement data with the AAS system check out the related application note

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