www.bio-rad.

com/microplate/
Microplate Systems
Absorbance Microplate Readers 366
Performance Validation and
Software Tools 368
Microplate Washer 370
Singleplex Assays and Reagents 371
366 | Microplate Systems
www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
Absorbance Microplate Readers
www.bio-rad.com
iMark

Microplate Absorbance Reader

The iMark microplate absorbance reader offers fast
reading speeds, extensive onboard software capabilities,
a preprogrammed validation protocol (for the Checkmark

reader performance verification kit), and a built-in printer in
a compact, lightweight unit. The instrument can be used
as a stand-alone reader or controlled by a PC or Mac with
Microplate Manager

6 software.
The wavelength range of the iMark reader is 400750 nm,
permitting many applications such as end-point assays,
ELISAs with colorimetric substrates, and protein assays
(Bradford and Lowry).
Kinetic reading can also be programmed with onboard
software or controlled by Microplate Manager 6 software.
The iMark readers onboard software is well suited for
life science, clinical, and other research laboratories. The
software includes security log-in features that allow locking
and unlocking of key protocol settings by the administrator,
generous memory capacity for protocol creation and
storage, comprehensive curve-fit selections, and
extensive reporting functions. Onboard software includes
preprogrammed protocols for Bio-Rads Checkmark reader
performance verification kit, to validate the IQ/OQ/PQ of the
iMark reader in compliance with GLP. Other life science and
specialized protocols are also included, such as those for
the Bio-Rad TSE screening kits and a growing number of
food testing and clinical kits.
The iMark reader comes with six standard absorbance
filters: 415, 450, 490, 595, 655, and 750 nm. There are five
additional filter options: 405, 540, 550, 570, and 630 nm.
Bio-Rad also supplies custom filters at 5 nm intervals from
400 to 750 nm on request.
A wide-format internal thermal graphical printer saves
counter space and simplifies stand-alone operation.
Absorbance Microplate Readers
Bio-Rad offers absorbance microplate readers, assays, software, accessories, and reagents that support a wide range
of applications.
iMark reader features include:
Flexible configurations with ability to read flat-, U-,

or V-bottom microplates or 8- or 12-well strip plates
Automatic calibration before each reading

Broad wavelength range for varied applications

Variable-speed plate-shaking capability



Easy access to 8-position filter wheel; 6 standard
filters provided
USB2 port for external computer control (with Microplate

Manager software, PC or Mac)


Multilingual interface and LCD display (English, Japanese,
Chinese, and Russian)
Data and protocol presentation on LCD display

Onboard data storage of protocols, standard curves,

and graphs
Self-diagnostic capabilities to detect lamp burnout at startup

Motorized door for plate loading

Instant printing of templates, protocols, and results

For more information, request bulletin 5670.
Microplate System Selection Guide
Model Plate Format Spectral Range Wavelength Selection Software
iMark

microplate 96 400750 nm 6 preinstalled filters, Onboard or optional Microplate Manager

6
absorbance reader 8-position filter wheel software, via USB2, PC, or Mac
xMark

microplate absorbance 61,536; pixel intensity 2001,000 nm Monochromator Microplate Manager 6 software
spectrophotometer maps for 696 (included), via USB2, PC, or Mac
For more information, request bulletin 5669 (a folder that includes bulletins 56705674).
See Also
Protein assays:
pages 3237.
www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
Microplate Systems | 367
Absorbance Microplate Readers
www.bio-rad.com
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
168-1130 iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader, 100/240 V, includes 6 filters (415, 450, 490, 595, 655, 750 nm), 5,098.00
built-in plate shaker, onboard software and thermal printer, one roll printer paper, USB2 and power cables
168-1135 iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader With Microplate Manager 6 Software, for PC and MAC 5,999.00
Specifications
Wavelength range 400750 nm
Photometric range 0.03.5 OD
Linearity 1.0% from 0.02.0 OD, 2.0% from 0.03.0 OD
Accuracy 1.0% or 0.010 from 0.0003.000 OD at 490 nm
Precision 1.0% or 0.005 OD from 0.02.0 OD, 1.5% from 2.03.0 OD
Resolution 0.001 OD
Filter wheel capacity 8
Preinstalled filters 6
Printing Built-in thermal line-dot printer
Plate shaking 3 speeds: low, medium, high; duration: 0999 sec
Read time 6 sec at single wavelength, 10 sec at dual wavelengths
Data output Onboard graphical thermal printer and USB2 interface with PC or Mac data stations
Data storage Calendar/clock function, 64 assay protocols
Multilanguage support 4 languages, LCD indication supported, printout report supported
Dimensions (W x D x H) 34.6 x 37.7 x 16.4 cm (13.6 x 14.8 x 6.5")
Weight 5.5 kg (12 lb)
With its unique imaging capabilities, monochromator
design, and spectral scanning feature (which eliminates
the need for filters), the xMark microplate absorbance
spectrophotometer can find the best wavelength within a
broad range for any photometric application. The xMark
spectrophotometer is also flexible enough to read all
standard microplates, from 6- to 1,536-well formats.
Using Microplate Manager

6 software, the xMark

spectrophotometer can perform a wide range of end point
and kinetic applications with spectral scanning within low
UV to infrared wavelengths.
Features include:


Monochromator-based system for maximum optical
efficiency and flexibility in photometry reading
Spectral scanning to define the best absorbance

wavelength for assays
High-performance optics for low- or high-density formats

Imaging capabilities for pixel intensity data in a single well

or entire plate
Capability of scanning custom plates



Flexible control and data analysis with PC or Mac software
Complete reproducibility of assays using experiment

protocols from Microplate Manager 6 software
Built-in incubator with programmable temperature control

Built-in plate shaker with variable mixing direction and

adjustable speed
For more information, request bulletin 5671.
xMark

Microplate Absorbance Spectrophotometer

www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
368 | Microplate Systems
Performance Validation and Software Tools
www.bio-rad.com
Performance Validation and Software Tools
Checkmark

Reader Performance Verification and IQ/OQ Kits

The Checkmark reader performance verification
kit consists of an absorbance calibration plate and
Checkmark software. This kit is an IQ/OQ tool that can be
used to validate instrument performance parameters of
Bio-Rads microplate absorbance readers.
The Checkmark check plate is compatible with all Bio-Rad
microplate absorbance readers and is NIST-certified to
confirm calibration traceability. Checkmark software allows
automated testing of Bio-Rad microplate absorbance
readers and generates reports specific to instrument type
and serial numbers to ensure GLP compliance.
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
168-1150 xMark Microplate Absorbance Spectrophotometer, PC or Mac, built-in incubator, plate shaker, 18,999.00
Microplate Manager 6 software, USB2 and power cables
168-2000 Plate Adaptor, for using Terasaki plate with xMark microplate absorbance spectrophotometer 472.00
Specifications
Optical
Wavelength range 2001,000 nm
Photometric methods Single and dual wavelength
Monochromator step size 1 nm
Bandwidth 5 nm
Wavelength accuracy, minimum 2.0 nm
Wavelength repeatability 0.2 nm
Imaging resolution 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 mm
Performance
Indication range 04.0 OD
Resolution 0.001 OD
Linearity 2.0%, 0 to 3.0 OD at 405 nm
Accuracy 1.0% or 0.015, 03.0 OD
Reproducibility 96-well plate: 1.0% or 0.005, 03.0 OD at 405 nm
Stability and drift 0.010 at OD = 1 at 490 nm
Read time 8 sec/96-well/single wavelength; 15 sec/384-well/single wavelength; 35 sec/1,536-well/single wavelength
Physical
Compatible plates 6- to 1,536-well and custom microplates; maximum plate height: 21 mm
Incubator set point Temperature range: 2545C; accuracy: 0.5C; uniformity: 0.5C
Well-to-well uniformity 2.0% or 0.005, 0 to 3.0 OD at 405 nm
Plate shaking Linear or orbital plate-shaking capability
Computer interface USB2
Dimensions (W x D x H) 54.4 x 44.0 x 21.9 cm (21.4 x 17.3 x 8.6")
Weight 27.5 kg (61 lb)
www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
Microplate Systems | 369
Performance Validation and Software Tools
Filter check using the Checkmark reader performance verification kit.
Exact and controllable data with template design flexibility

and intuitive guides for designating plate wells, mapping
dilutions, and multiple sample series
Can deliver comprehensive and configurable reports that

contain every step of the workflow and analysis, including
descriptive notes
Custom reporting function provides one-button screening

for predefined assays such as those for TSE screening
For more information, request bulletin 5673.
www.bio-rad.com
Bio-Rads iMark

microplate reader and xMark

microplate
spectrophotometer can be utilized to their full potential
with Microplate Manager 6 software. This comprehensive
software package allows powerful, versatile colorimetric
and turbidimetric analyses and report analysis for raw
data, qualitative and quantitative calculations based on
absorbance limits, matrix of equations, normalization, and
curve fit. Microplate Manager software expands your range
of data analysis options to include kinetics and screening,
and adds the functionality of flexible template creation for
any standard microplate format up to 1,536 wells and for
60- and 70-well Terasaki plates.
Based on user-defined templates and parameters, Microplate
Manager 6 software reads the plate, generates an array of
values, performs data analysis, and creates reports.
Key features include:
Flexible, intuitive, and efficient software for reading

microplates and assay analysis in any research setting
Unique access to instrument controls, allowing additional

options for optimizing microplate assays
Complete reproducibility of the assay workflow, plate

reading parameters, calculations, and reports
Performance verification parameters include:
Accuracy

Precision

Linearity

Plate positioning (96-well plate format only)

Cross talk (best-case and worst-case)

Filter check

0 OD and overflow (100% and 0% transmittance)

Spectral blocking

Checkmark software is compatible with Windows XP and
Windows Vista operating systems.
For more information, request bulletin 5672.
Microplate Manager

6 Software
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
Nominal value
O
D
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
y = 1.0004x - 0.0014
R
2
= 1
Linearity Test
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
168-6940 Checkmark Reader Performance Verification Kit, includes absorbance calibration plate, Checkmark software 2,100.00
168-2230 IQ/OQ Kit for iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader, includes 168-6940, IQ/OQ protocols 2,600.00
168-2250 IQ/OQ Kit for xMark Microplate Absorbance Spectrophotometer, includes 168-6940, IQ/OQ protocols 2,600.00
www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
370 | Microplate Systems
Microplate Washer
www.bio-rad.com
The Model 1575 Immunowash microplate washer offers
complete control of needle position to perform special
wash routines and maximize wash efficiency. This washer
includes a wide choice of wash sequences to facilitate
protocol creation and storage, and it is compatible with
96-well microplates that have flat-, U-, or V-bottom wells
and strips. Other features include:


Programmable needle positions (horizontal and vertical)
to an accuracy of 0.1 mm for bottom washing, crosswise
aspiration, and overflow washing
Dispenser speed control



Plate-shaking option to help minimize bubbles and
adherence of liquid to well sides
Waste bottle sensor to detect high waste liquid levels

Up to 75 programmable washing sequences

Easily removable 8- or 12-way manifolds

Easily accessible manifold interior for maintenance

Removable and autoclavable plate carrier

Aerosol protection cover

Integrated vacuum and dispensing pumps to ensure

accurate and quiet washing and to eliminate the need
for external pumps
For more information, request bulletins 2135 and 2054.
Model 1575 Immunowash

Microplate Washer
Microplate Washer
Secure and
automated reporting
for TSE screening.
Plot of standard curve in Microplate Manager 6 software.
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
168-9520 Microplate Manager 6 Software, PC and Mac, for end-point and kinetic data analysis with iMark microplate 1,800.00
absorbance reader and xMark microplate spectrophotometer
System Requirements
PC Macintosh
Operating system Windows 2000 or Windows XP Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X 10.5
Processor/model Pentium 333 MHz PowerPC G3 or better
RAM 256 MB 256 MB
Hard disk space 3 GB 3 GB
Monitor 17" or larger 17" or larger
USB2 port Required for interface with microplate readers Required for interface with microplate readers
Printer Optional Optional
www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
Microplate Systems | 371
Singleplex Assays and Reagents
www.bio-rad.com
Enzyme-Antibody Conjugates
Bio-Rad offers enzyme-antibody conjugates and
ELISA soluble substrate systems suitable for use in all
microtitration enzyme immunoassays. Antibodies are
available conjugated to HRP or AP enzymes. Affinity
purification procedures have been used to isolate these
specific antibodies and to remove nonspecific antibodies
and other serum proteins that can interfere in assay
procedures. A mouse isotyping kit is also available.
Protein A conjugates (page 247) offer an alternative method
to detect immunoglobulins from a variety of species.
Substrate Systems
Bio-Rads AP substrate kit contains easy-to-use
P-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) tablets and dilution
buffer concentrate to prepare 500 ml of working solution.
ELISA Reagents
Singleplex Assays and Reagents
Benefits of the AP system include an extremely linear
reaction rate and low background values for accurate
quantitation by ELISA.
There are two convenient substrate systems for detection
of HRP-labeled antibodies. Both the 2,2-azino-di(3-
ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) peroxidase
substrate kit and the 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)
peroxidase substrate kit contain liquid reagents that are
mixed just prior to use. No weighing or dissolving of
hazardous chemicals is necessary.
The single-component TMB peroxidase EIA substrate kit
makes microplate assays convenient and fast.
Comparison of ELISA Substrate Systems
AP HRP
ELISA Type pNPP ABTS TMB
Qualitative +++ ++++ ++++
Stop reagent Sodium hydroxide Oxalic acid Sulfuric acid
Color Yellow Blue-green Yellow
Detection wavelength 405 nm 415 nm 450 nm
Quantitative (Endpoint) ++++ +++ +++
Stop reagent Sodium hydroxide Oxalic acid Sulfuric acid
Color Yellow Blue-green Yellow
Detection wavelength 405 nm 415 nm 450 nm
Quantitative (Kinetic) ++ +++ ++++
Color Yellow Blue-green Blue
Detection wavelength 405 nm 415 nm 655 nm
Substrate performance: ++++, excellent; +++, good; ++, fair.
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
170-7009 Model 1575 Immunowash Microplate Washer, 100220 V, includes bottle and tubing set, 6,136.00
8-port manifold, aerosol protection cover
170-7021 Model 1575 Immunowash 12-Channel Manifold 411.00
170-7026 Model 1575 Immunowash Standard Maintenance Kit 148.00
Specifications
Voltage 110220 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Residual well volume <2 l
Waste bottle volume 2,000 ml
Soak time 09.9 sec in strip mode
059 min in plate mode
Available manifolds 8- and 12-way
Storage capacity 75 kits
Compatible plate types Any flat-, U-, or V-bottom 96-well plate
Operating temperature 1530C
Dimensions (W x D x H) 32.5 x 40.5 x 19.3 cm (12.8 x 15.9 x 7.6")
Weight 9.6 kg (21 lb)
See Also
Blotting-grade
conjugates:
page 247.
www.bio-rad.com/microplate/
372 | Microplate Systems
Singleplex Assays and Reagents
www.bio-rad.com
Mouse Antibody Isotyping Kit
The Mouse Typer

isotyping kit provides a convenient

ELISA method for identifying the class, subclass,
and light-chain type of mouse IgGs in tissue culture
supernatant and ascites fluid. The kit contains sufficient
reagents to perform 100 typings (800 tests).
The Mouse Typer kit allows screening of up to 12 different
antibody samples per plate. Each sample is reacted with
8 subclass-specific antisera to determine the heavy- and
light-chain types of the monoclonal antibody.
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
172-2051 Mouse Typer Isotyping Kit, includes mouse isotyping panel, affinity purified goat anti-rabbit IgG (H + L) 380.00
172-2055 Mouse Typer Isotyping Panel, includes 10 ml each ultrapure rabbit anti-mouse 287.00
subclass-specific antiserum to mouse IgG
1
, IgG
2a
, IgG
2b
, IgG
3
, IgM, IgA, k-chain, and l-chain
Ordering Information
Catalog # Description Price, U.S. $
Enzyme-Antibody Conjugates
172-1011 Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (H + L)-HRP Conjugate, 2 ml 129.00
172-1033 Goat Anti-Human IgG (g)-HRP Conjugate, 1 ml 159.00
172-1019 Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (H + L)-HRP Conjugate, 1 ml 81.00
172-1034 Rabbit Anti-Goat IgG (H + L)-HRP Conjugate, 1 ml 159.00
172-1017 Rabbit Anti-Sheep IgG (H + L)-HRP Conjugate, 1 ml 129.00
172-1037 Rabbit Anti-Goat IgG (H + L)-AP Conjugate, 1 ml 161.00
Substrate Systems
172-1063 AP Substrate Kit, contains 100 pNPP tablets and 100 ml 5x concentrate diethanolamine buffer 159.00
172-1064 HRP Substrate Kit, contains 180 ml ABTS, 20 ml hydrogen peroxide 115.00
172-1066 TMB Peroxidase EIA Substrate Kit, contains 180 ml TMB solution, 20 ml hydrogen peroxide 129.00
172-1067 TMB Peroxidase EIA Substrate Kit, contains 900 ml TMB solution, 100 ml hydrogen peroxide 358.00
172-1068 Single-Component TMB Peroxidase EIA Substrate Kit, contains 100 ml TMB solution 76.00
172-1072 Single-Component TMB Peroxidase ELISA Substrate Kit, contains 1 L TMB solution 656.00