Microplate
readers are instruments which are used to detect biological reactions of
samples in microtiter plates. Most commonly 96 well plates are used with a
volume ranging from 100 to 200 μl. Absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence
can be detected using this reader. They
can be used for a wide range of wavelength. The absorption value of 96 samples can be observed within a
few seconds. The experimental values are determined from the standard curve. This
curve uses standards of known concentration to generate a line of best fit or
standard curve. The values of the test samples are then obtained from the standard
curve or are calculated using the equation from the linear regression. Standards
and samples are run along with blank, positive and negative controls on the multiwell
plate to check whether it is working correctly. The instrument is connected to the monitor
where the results are displayed. Microplate readers are used to quantify compounds,
assays of various metabolic processes, kinetic studies.