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SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance ELISA Microplate Readers






Filterless readers provide consistent results with steady temperature regulation
The SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus absorbance microplate readers provide the flexibility, sensitivity, and convenience for a wide range of assays such as ELISAs, microbial growth, and protein quantitation. Both readers feature an 8-channel read head for fast reads and a subset feature our patented PathCheck™ Sensor. The temperature independent PathCheck sensor automatically normalizes and ensures accurate absorbance values by detecting pipetting errors. Combined with a wide application base, industry-leading SoftMax® Pro Software and validation tools, these readers fit in every lab and every budget.
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Eliminate filters
Eliminate the need for purchasing and changing out filters with a monochromator-based wavelength selection for visible and UV-visible absorbance.
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Get consistent results
Mix samples thoroughly in microplate wells with user-programmable Automix feature and monitor temperature-sensitive reactions with consistent temperature regulation from ambient to 45°C.
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Integrate with ease
Measure micro-volumes: Compatible with the SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate, enabling high-throughput measurement of low volumes (<5um) – ideal for DNA, RNA and protein quantification.
SpectraMax ABS Plus Feature Demonstration
Features
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Pipetting errors eliminated
This reader utilizes Molecular Devices' patented PathCheck® Sensor to measure the depth (optical pathlength) of samples in a microplate. It also allows for the elimination of standard curves.
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Optimized optical path
The reader’s unique quartz fiber optic system minimizes stray light for precise readings across a microplate. The spectral resolution ensures accuracy of DNA absorbance measurements.
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Eight-channel optics
The optical design of the reader mimics a dual-beam spectrophotometer. Each well has its own sample beam and reference detector. The eight-channel system delivers both precision and speed across the microplate.
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Dual wavelength reads
The reader delivers high performance with round-bottom, flat-bottom or half-area well plates. Dual wavelength readings report the actual absorbance at each wavelength making data analysis convenient.
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Flexibility to read a variety of plate formats
SpectraMax® Absorbance Microplate Readers can run both cuvette-based and microplate reader applications on the same instrument. Read one sample or up to 384 in a single plate read using any standard cuvette, or 96- or 384-well microplate.
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Validation made easy
Verify the accuracy of your absorbance measurements with the SpectraTest® ABS1 Absorbance Validation Plate, using NIST-traceable standards. Testing can be done in your own lab, on your own schedule.
Proven GxP solutions to assure data integrity and compliance
Our comprehensive suite of proven compliance solutions for GMP/GLP labs can advance your efforts to quickly and confidently establish a compliant laboratory.
- Best-in-class microplate readers and washers support all your assay needs
- IQ/OQ/PM services preserve instrument documentation in a digital and compliant format
- Software installation services verify and document that required components are installed to operational specifications
- Software validation service supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines
- Validation plates test the performance of your microplate reader using traceable materials for reliable results

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Application Note
Effect of Microplate materials on UV Absorbance Measurements
Effect of Microplate materials on UV Absorbance Measurements
Microplates used for absorbance measurements are commonly made of polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), or quartz.
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eBook
Streamline beer, wine, and food quality control and safety analyses
Streamline beer, wine, and food quality control and safety analyses
Absorbance microplate readers are widely used in research, drug discovery, bioassay validation, quality control, and manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage…
Applications of SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance ELISA Microplate Readers
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Absorbance
Learn all about absorbance detection – how it works, how it’s measured, and how it can be used to calculate concentration. We also provide information on common absorbance applications and assays including ELISAs, nucleic acid and protein quantitation, and microbial growth.
Absorbance
Learn all about absorbance detection – how it works, how it’s measured, and how it can be used to calculate concentration. We also provide information on common absorbance applications and assays including ELISAs, nucleic acid and protein quantitation, and microbial growth.
Cell Viability
Cell viability can be assessed by examining parameters such as cell membrane integrity or the activity of cellular enzymes. On a microplate readers, these parameters can be detected using fluorescent reagents. For example, a red cell-impermeant, DNA-binding dye only stains dead or dying cells whose membranes are compromised, while a green live-cell dye only fluoresces when metabolic enzymes are active.
Cell Viability
Cell viability can be assessed by examining parameters such as cell membrane integrity or the activity of cellular enzymes. On a microplate readers, these parameters can be detected using fluorescent reagents. For example, a red cell-impermeant, DNA-binding dye only stains dead or dying cells whose membranes are compromised, while a green live-cell dye only fluoresces when metabolic enzymes are active.
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ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein, using a microplate format, and results are most often detected via absorbance in the visible wavelength range. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent ELISA formats offer enhanced sensitivity for accurate quantitation of less abundant analytes.
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein, using a microplate format, and results are most often detected via absorbance in the visible wavelength range. Chemiluminescent and fluorescent ELISA formats offer enhanced sensitivity for accurate quantitation of less abundant analytes.
Specifications & Options of SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance ELISA Microplate Readers
*Using lowest settings and speed read when available.
**Only available on SpectraMax ABS Plus.
Resources of SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance ELISA Microplate Readers
Application Note
Effect of Microplate materials on UV Absorbance Measurements
Effect of Microplate materials on UV Absorbance Measurements
Microplates used for absorbance measurements are commonly made of polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), or quartz.
eBook
Streamline beer, wine, and food quality control and safety analyses
Streamline beer, wine, and food quality control and safety analyses
Absorbance microplate readers are widely used in research, drug discovery, bioassay validation, quality control, and manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food and…
Application Note
Quantifying gluten in beer using an ASBC-approved ELISA method
Quantifying gluten in beer using an ASBC-approved ELISA method
With the recent rise in the prevalence of celiac disease, monitoring gluten levels in food and beverage has become increasingly important as more people strive to avoid gluten.
Application Note
Measure total protein in cell lysates with SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Measure total protein in cell lysates with SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Quantification of protein concentrations from cell lysates is a key step for many downstream applications, such as western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
Application Note
Quantitate interleukin-8 concentrations on the SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader with the SimpleStep ELISA kit
Quantitate interleukin-8 concentrations on the SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader with the SimpleStep ELISA kit
Learn how to run the Human IL-8 SimpleStep ELISA on the SpectraMax® ABS Plus Microplate Reader using a convenient preconfigured protocol.
Data Sheet
SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Microplate Readers
SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Microplate Readers
The SpectraMax® ABS Microplate Reader bridges the gap between the affordability of filter-based readers and the flexibility of monochromator-based systems.The SpectraMax® ABS Plus Mi…
Application Note
Low-volume, high-throughput DNA and protein detection on the SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Low-volume, high-throughput DNA and protein detection on the SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Nucleic acid and protein quantitation are essential measurements upstream of many sophisticated assays in genetics and molecular biology. Various methods have been developed to…
Infographic
History of ELISA
History of ELISA
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a method used to quantitatively detect an antigen within a sample. An antigen is a toxin or other foreign substance, for example a flu vi…
Application Note
Monitor for endotoxin with the SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Monitor for endotoxin with the SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Monitoring for contaminants is a critical step during the production process in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Application Note
Determine total aflatoxin in cannabis using an ELISA method
Determine total aflatoxin in cannabis using an ELISA method
As cannabis is legalized in more states across the US, state agencies are setting their own regulations and requirements for growers, retailers, and testing laboratories. For example,…
eBook
Streamline absorbance assays for nucleic acid & protein quantitation
Streamline absorbance assays for nucleic acid & protein quantitation
Absorbance microplate readers are widely used in basic research, drug discovery, bioassay validation, quality control, and manufacturing processes in pharmaceutical, biotech, food an…
Application Note
Assess cell viability and proliferation with colorimetric readouts
Assess cell viability and proliferation with colorimetric readouts
Learn how absorbance microplate reader provides a colorimetric readouts for cell viability or proliferation.
Flyer
SpectraMax ABS Absorbance Microplate Reader Capabilities
SpectraMax ABS Absorbance Microplate Reader Capabilities
Learn more about the features and benefits of the SpectraMax ABS Absorbance Microplate Reader, including a table of compatible applications.
Application Note
DNA and RNA absorbance measurements using SpectraMax Microplate Readers
DNA and RNA absorbance measurements using SpectraMax Microplate Readers
Ultraviolet (UV) measurements in microplates became possible when Molecular Devices introduced the first UV-capable microplate reader. Since then, microplate measurements of DNA, RNA,…
Application Note
High-throughput melamine detection with Romer Labs AgraQuant Melamine Assays and Molecular Devices Absorbance readers
High-throughput melamine detection with Romer Labs AgraQuant Melamine Assays and Molecular Devices Absorbance readers
The organic base melamine is used to make a number of products, including plastics, flame retardants, pigments, and fertilizers. The practice of adding melamine to animal feed and…
Data Sheet
SpectraTest Validation Packages
SpectraTest Validation Packages
Microplate readers from Molecular Devices are designed to provide consistent performance for many years. In keeping with best practices, reader performance should still be validated…
Application Note
Optical density measurements automatically corrected to a 1-cm pathlength with PathCheck Technology
Optical density measurements automatically corrected to a 1-cm pathlength with PathCheck Technology
UV/VIS spectrophotometers and microplate readers differ fundamentally in their beam geometry. In spectrophotometers, samples are read through cuvettes or tubes with a horizontal (cross…
Application Note
Microplate-based endotoxin testing in GLP/GMP environments using a colorimetric assay
Microplate-based endotoxin testing in GLP/GMP environments using a colorimetric assay
Monitoring for contaminants is a critical step during the production process in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. A frequent contaminant, endotoxin, can cause fever,…
Application Note
PathCheck applied to measurement of protein solutions in the SPECTRAmax® PLUS microplate spectrophotometer
PathCheck applied to measurement of protein solutions in the SPECTRAmax® PLUS microplate spectrophotometer
Protein concentration is commonly estimated by measuring the absorbance at 280
Application Note
Phenolic compounds measurement in red wines using the SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Phenolic compounds measurement in red wines using the SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Measurement of tannin, iron-reactive phenolics, anthocyanin and polymeric pigment in red wine is an important part of quality control in the wine industry. Precise and reliable…
Application Note
The PathCheck Sensor: a Powerful Tool for Microplate Analyses
The PathCheck Sensor: a Powerful Tool for Microplate Analyses
The fundamental difference between absorbance measured in a microplate compared to a cuvette is the optical beam configuration. In a cuvette, the optical beam is horizontal and the…
Application Note
High-throughput melamine detection with Beacon Analytical Systems Melamine Plate Kit and Molecular Devices Absorbance readers
High-throughput melamine detection with Beacon Analytical Systems Melamine Plate Kit and Molecular Devices Absorbance readers
The organic base melamine is used to make a number of products, including plastics, flame retardants, pigments, and fertilizers. The practice of adding melamine to animal feed and…
Application Note
Residual sugar measurement in wine using the SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Residual sugar measurement in wine using the SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Analysis of malic acid, residual sugar, volatile acidity and ammonia is very important in quality control during wine production. Enzymatic assays carried out in microplate format are…
Application Note
L-malic acid measurement in wines using the SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
L-malic acid measurement in wines using the SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Analysis of malic acid, residual sugar, volatile acidity and ammonia is very important for quality control during wine production. Enzymatic assays carried out in microplate format are…
Application Note
High-throughput melamine detection with Abraxis Melamine ELISA Kit and Molecular Devices Absorbance readers
High-throughput melamine detection with Abraxis Melamine ELISA Kit and Molecular Devices Absorbance readers
The organic base melamine is used to make a number of products, including plastics, flame retardants, pigments, and fertilizers. The practice of adding melamine to animal feed and…
Data Sheet
SpectraDrop Micro-Volume Microplate
SpectraDrop Micro-Volume Microplate
Learn how SpectraDrop Micro-Volume Microplate can be used to quantitate low volumes of DNA, RNA, and protein when combined with Molecular Devices' absorbance microplate readers.
Data Sheet
VersaMax Microplate Reader
VersaMax Microplate Reader
Learn how Molecular Devices’ VersaMax Microplate Reader provides an affordable, tunable filter-based microplate reader for monochromator-based systems.
Data Sheet
SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Learn more about the SpectraMax Plus 384 microplate reader and how it can be used to test a breadth of applications with full spectral range.
Data Sheet
SpectraMax 340PC384 Microplate Reader
SpectraMax 340PC384 Microplate Reader
Discover how the SpectraMax® 340PC384 Reader can be used in various absorbance-based applications by being able to accurately measure absorbance in the visible range.
Data Sheet
SpectraMax 190 Microplate Reader
SpectraMax 190 Microplate Reader
Learn how the SpectraMax 190 Microplate Reader, a high-performance UV-Vis spectrophotometer can be used for various life science applications.
Brochure
Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery and Life Sciences Research
Innovative Solutions for Drug Discovery and Life Sciences Research
Molecular Devices is a leading provider of high-performance bioanalytical measurement solutions for life science research, pharmaceutical development, and biotherapeutic discovery. O…


Microplate analysis technologies for food and beverage quality testing

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How to configure an ELISA endpoint protocol

SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance Microplate Readers
SpectraMax ABS Plus Feature Demonstration
Number of Citations*: 10,800
Latest Citations: For a complete list, please click here .
*Source: https://scholar.google.com/
- Dated: Nov 01, 2016Publication Name: Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research
Effect of Caffeine on Biofilm Formation and Capsule Size on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Caffeine is a stimulant naturally found in coffee beans and is consumed daily by millions of people. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a gram-negative opportunistic microbe known to be the main cause for pneumonia in cystic fibrosis and is observed in many hospital-acquired infections. View moreCaffeine is a stimulant naturally found in coffee beans and is consumed daily by millions of people. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a gram-negative opportunistic microbe known to be the main cause for pneumonia in cystic fibrosis and is observed in many hospital-acquired infections.
Contributors: Byron Trinh, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Cynde Mai, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, John K. Chan Dr., California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Go to article - Dated: Nov 11, 2010Publication Name: Journal of Dairy Science
Feeding rolled barley grain steeped in lactic acid modulated energy status and innate immunity in dairy cows
Feeding dairy cows large proportions of cereal grain is commonly associated with rumen acidosis, activation of innate immunity, and perturbation of intermediary metabolism. We previously showed that steeping barley grain in 0.5% lactic acid (LA) decreased the rate of starch degradation, lowered the risk of subacute rumen acidosis, modulated rumen… View moreFeeding dairy cows large proportions of cereal grain is commonly associated with rumen acidosis, activation of innate immunity, and perturbation of intermediary metabolism. We previously showed that steeping barley grain in 0.5% lactic acid (LA) decreased the rate of starch degradation, lowered the risk of subacute rumen acidosis, modulated rumen fermentation profile, and increased milk fat content in dairy cows. This study sought to investigate whether feeding of LA-treated barley grain would affect carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as innate immunity. Eight rumen-fistulated late-lactation (approximately 217 d in milk, DIM) Holstein cows were randomly assigned, in a 2 × 2 crossover design, to 1 of the 2 dietary treatments consisting of 27% (dry matter basis) rolled barley grain steeped for 48 h in an equal volume (wt/vol) of tap water (CTR) or 0.5% LA (TRT). Each experimental period lasted 21 d, with the first 11 d for diet adaptation. Blood and rumen samples were collected on d 12, 15, 17, and 21 of the experimental period before the morning feeding to evaluate the effects of dietary treatment on preprandial day-to-day variation of plasma and rumen variables. To establish the effect of treatment on diurnal variation of plasma variables, blood samples were collected on the last day of each period at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h after the morning feeding (i.e., 0800 h). Results of the day-to-day study showed that cows fed the TRT diet had greater overall preprandial concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, and insulin, and a lower concentration of haptoglobin in plasma. Diurnal data indicated lower concentrations of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A and a tendency for greater plasma lactate in cows fed the TRT diet. A treatment by time interaction was observed for glucose, lactate, insulin, haptoglobin, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, suggesting a role for both the processing of grain and the time of sampling on those variables. No effect of diet on plasma concentrations of cortisol, β-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids or rumen endotoxin was evidenced. Taken together, our results demonstrated that feeding barley grain steeped in 0.5% LA modulated both energy status and innate immunity of dairy cows fed relatively high levels (45% of dry matter) of dietary concentrate.
- Dated: Feb 02, 2008Publication Name: Journal of Dairy Science
Feeding High Proportions of Barley Grain Stimulates an Inflammatory Response in Dairy Cows
The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of feeding increasing proportions of barley grain on acute phase response in lactating dairy cows. Eight cannulated primiparous (60 to 140 d in milk) Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 4 diets in a 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design. The experimental period lasted for 21 d, with 11 d of… View moreThe objective of this study was to evaluate effects of feeding increasing proportions of barley grain on acute phase response in lactating dairy cows. Eight cannulated primiparous (60 to 140 d in milk) Holstein dairy cows were assigned to 4 diets in a 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design. The experimental period lasted for 21 d, with 11 d of adaptation and 10 d of measurements. Cows were fed the following diets: 1) no barley grain in the diet, 2) 15% barley grain, 3) 30% barley grain, and 4) 45% barley grain, as well as barley and alfalfa silage and alfalfa hay at 85, 70, 55, and 40% [dry matter (DM) basis]. All cows were supplemented with a 15% concentrate mix. Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected on d 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 of the measurement period, and pH and endotoxin content were measured in rumen samples. Concentrations of serum amyloid A, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein in plasma were measured by ELISA. Feeding high proportions of barley grain at 0, 15, 30, and 45% of DM was associated with lower feed intake (32.6, 32.9, 27.34, and 25.18 kg/d ± 1.30, respectively), lower ruminal pH (6.8, 6.7, 6.7, and 6.5 ± 0.03, respectively), and higher DM intake (13.33, 15.28, 14.68, and 16.04 ± 0.63 kg/d, respectively) and milk production (27.2, 28.2, 29.0, and 31.0 ± 1.2 kg/d, respectively). Ruminal endotoxin increased in cows receiving 30 and 45% barley grain (5,021, and 8,870 ± 393 ng/mL, respectively) compared with those fed no grain or 15% barley grain (654 and 790 ± 393 ng/mL, respectively). Plasma concentrations of serum amyloid A, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and C-reactive protein increased in cows given higher (30 and 45%) proportions of grain. Plasma haptoglobin was not affected by treatments. In conclusion, feeding dairy cows high proportions (30 and 45% DM basis) of barley grain was associated with lower feed intake and rumen pH, increased endotoxin in the rumen fluid, and stimulation of an inflammatory response.
Absorbance Microplate Readers
SpectraMax® ABS Plus Microplate Reader
Product |
Part Number |
SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader with SoftMax Pro Software | ABS PLUS |
SpectraTest ABS2 Absorbance Validation Plate | 0200-6191 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker | StakMax |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate Starter Kit | 0200-6262 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate HTS Kit | 0200-6267 |
Cuvette Validation Set | 0200-2420 |
SpectraMax® ABS Microplate Reader
Product | Part Number |
SpectraMax ABS Microplate Reader with SoftMax Pro Software | ABS |
SpectraTest ABS2 Absorbance Validation Plate | 0200-6191 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker | StakMax |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate Starter Kit | 0200-6262 |
SpectraMax® 340PC384 Microplate Reader
Product |
Part Number |
340PC384 Microplate Reader | 340PC 384 |
SpectraTest ABS1 Absorbance Validation Plate | 0200-6117 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker | StakMax |
Microplate Reader Shelf | 9000-0756 |
SpectraMax® Plus 384 Microplate Reader
Product | Part Number |
SpectraMax Plus 384 Microplate Reader | PLUS 384 |
SpectraTest ABS1 Absorbance Validation Plate | 0200-6117 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker | StakMax |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate Starter Kit | 0200-6262 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate HTS Kit | 0200-6267 |
Cuvette Validation Set | 0200-2420 |
Microplate Reader Shelf | 9000-0756 |
SpectraMax® 190 Microplate Reader
Product |
Product Number |
SpectraMax 190 Microplate Reader with SoftMax Pro Software | 190 |
SpectraTest ABS1 Absorbance Validation Plate | 0200-6117 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate Starter Kit | 0200-6262 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate HTS Kit | 0200-6267 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker | StakMax |
Microplate Reader Shelf | 9000-0756 |
VersaMax™ ELISA Microplate Reader
Product |
Part Number |
VersaMax ELISA Microplate Reader | VERSAMAX |
SpectraTest ABS1 Absorbance Validation Plate | 0200-6117 |
StakMax Microplate Handling Stacker | StakMax |
Microplate Reader Shelf | 9000-0756 |
Related Products & Services of SpectraMax ABS and ABS Plus Absorbance ELISA Microplate Readers
Featured Applications

Absorbance
Learn all about absorbance detection – how it works, how it’s measured, and how it can be used to…

Cell Viability
Cell viability can be assessed by examining parameters such as cell membrane integrity or the…

ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein,…
How can we help advance your next big discovery?
Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?
How can we help advance your next big discovery?
Our highly-qualified teams are on the frontlines with our customers, conducting remote or on-site product demonstrations, webinars, and more to help you solve your tough research challenges. How can we help you today?