BMG Labtec FLUOstar Omega Microplate Reader

• Drug discovery and screening in pharmaceutical research.
• Cell biology assays, including proliferation and cytotoxicity studies.
• Biochemical assays for enzyme kinetics and protein quantification.
• Microbiology for bacterial growth studies and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Environmental monitoring for detecting contaminants in samples.

Typical plate formats

Commonly supports 6- to 384-well microplates, with some units capable of handling 1536-well plates.

Detection modes

For this class of equipment, typically includes fluorescence intensity, luminescence, and absorbance. Some advanced units may offer additional modes like TRF or FP.

Wavelength range

Absorbance measurements commonly span 230-1000 nm. Fluorescence excitation and emission ranges vary but typically cover UV to visible light.

Temperature control

Many units feature incubation capabilities, typically ranging from ambient to 45-65°C, crucial for temperature-sensitive assays.

Shaking options

Commonly includes orbital, linear, and double orbital shaking functions to ensure proper mixing of reagents.

Power supply

Typically operates on standard laboratory power, 230V, 50/60Hz, single phase for UK installations.

Footprint

For this type of benchtop instrument, dimensions are typically around 45-60 cm (width) x 40-50 cm (depth) x 25-35 cm (height).

• What types of assays can be performed with a FLUOstar Omega?

  The BMG FLUOstar Omega is a multi-mode reader capable of performing a wide range of assays including DNA/RNA quantification, protein assays, cell viability, enzyme activity, reporter gene assays, and more, utilising fluorescence, luminescence, and absorbance detection.

• Is this unit suitable for high-throughput screening?

• What maintenance is typically required for a used microplate reader?

• Can this reader be integrated with robotic systems?

• What software is typically used with this equipment?

Microplate readers remain essential laboratory instruments valued for their reliability and consistency in high-throughput screening applications. Buyers typically prioritise optical performance, wavelength range compatibility, and software functionality when evaluating used models. Key considerations include detector condition, calibration currency, and spare parts availability. The equipment generally performs well in pharmaceutical development, diagnostics, and research settings. Reputation centres on durability and cost-effectiveness, particularly when sourced from well-maintained laboratory environments with complete documentation.

General overview for this equipment type