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Automated pipetting ensures consistent performance over multiple assay conditions on a microplate
The FlexStation® 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader measures absorbance, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, and time-resolved fluorescence. Programmable liquid handling allows for perfectly timed, automated biochemical and cell-based assays. The reader adds up to three transfers of assay reagents from a 96- or 384-well source plate to enhance assay design using integrated fluidics.
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Enable more assay conditions
Define individual reagents to be delivered to each well reducing reagent consumption and allowing for more assay conditions to be explored on a single microplate.
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Automate pipetting
Improve assay quality and increase throughput with automated pipetting ensuring consistent addition time and minimizing errors, thus providing tighter assay CVs within and between experiments.
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Validate your reader
Get fluid transfer validation with our PathCheck® Feature to quantify pipettor head performance. Use it with SoftMax® Pro Software and IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Features
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Onboard pipettor
Integrated 8-channel or 16-channel pipettor increases assay flexibility by transferring reagents from 96 or 384 distinct wells in a source plate to the read plate.
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Optimal assay excitation
Dual monochromators allow users to target the optimal assay excitation and emission wavelengths and eliminate the need to change expensive band pass filters between experiments.
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Low volume applications
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Microplate offers a high-throughput solution for low volume measurement, accelerating sample preparation time and increased productivity in DNA, RNA and protein research.
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Robot integration
The FlexStation 3 reader can be integrated with all leading partner robots and with our out-of-the-box automation solution for savings on up-front integration time and resources.
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
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
HTRF assays from Cisbio have evolved to encompass the areas of G protein-coupled receptors, kinases and cell signaling, epigenetics, and biomarkers.
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Application Note
Development of a platelet calcium flux assay using Fura-2, AM on the FlexStation 3 reader
Development of a platelet calcium flux assay using Fura-2, AM on the FlexStation 3 reader
Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells that mediate haemostasis by aggregating at sites of blood vessel injury to form a thrombus (or clot) that limits blood loss. When platelets…
Applications of FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
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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.
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.
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Enzyme Activity
Enzyme activity can be monitored in real time using a chromogenic substrate which, upon its addition to the enzyme, produces a change in color that is detectable on an absorbance microplate reader. Using an instrument with onboard liquid handling capability, substrate can be added automatically while the reaction is monitored, enabling detection of the earliest part of the reaction and thus more accurate estimates of binding affinity.
Enzyme Activity
Enzyme activity can be monitored in real time using a chromogenic substrate which, upon its addition to the enzyme, produces a change in color that is detectable on an absorbance microplate reader. Using an instrument with onboard liquid handling capability, substrate can be added automatically while the reaction is monitored, enabling detection of the earliest part of the reaction and thus more accurate estimates of binding affinity.
Fast Kinetic Calcium Mobilization Assays
Gq protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) activation can be monitored by measuring the increase in intracellular calcium with fluorescent dyes. A calcium-sensitive dye is taken into the cytoplasm of the cell. Upon ligand binding to the receptor, calcium is released into the cytoplasm of the cell. The dye binds to the intracellular calcium and an increase in fluorescence is measured.
Fast Kinetic Calcium Mobilization Assays
Gq protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) activation can be monitored by measuring the increase in intracellular calcium with fluorescent dyes. A calcium-sensitive dye is taken into the cytoplasm of the cell. Upon ligand binding to the receptor, calcium is released into the cytoplasm of the cell. The dye binds to the intracellular calcium and an increase in fluorescence is measured.
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Fluorescence
Learn all about fluorescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the instruments used to measure the fluorescence of a sample. We also cover many fluorescence-based assays including cell viability, GPCR activity, and fluorescent nucleic acid quantification.
Fluorescence
Learn all about fluorescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the instruments used to measure the fluorescence of a sample. We also cover many fluorescence-based assays including cell viability, GPCR activity, and fluorescent nucleic acid quantification.
Fluorescence Polarization (FP)
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a technique that is widely used to monitor binding events in solution. It can be used to assess biomolecular interactions, including protein-antibody binding and DNA hybridization, as well as enzyme activity, and it has been adapted to basic research as well as high-throughput screening.
Fluorescence Polarization (FP)
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a technique that is widely used to monitor binding events in solution. It can be used to assess biomolecular interactions, including protein-antibody binding and DNA hybridization, as well as enzyme activity, and it has been adapted to basic research as well as high-throughput screening.
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Luminescence
Learn about luminescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the advantages of luminescence over other detection modes. We’ll cover key luminescence-based assays including dual-luciferase reporter gene, chemiluminescent ELISA, cytotoxicity, and BRET.
Luminescence
Learn about luminescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the advantages of luminescence over other detection modes. We’ll cover key luminescence-based assays including dual-luciferase reporter gene, chemiluminescent ELISA, cytotoxicity, and BRET.
Reporter Gene Assay
Reporter gene assays enable researchers to determine whether a gene is expressed and at what level. They are used to study signaling pathways, gene regulation, structure of regulatory elements, and much more. A reporter gene vector consists of a promoter or gene of interest, along with a reporter gene such as firefly luciferase, which codes for a protein whose activity can be easily measured. The vector is transfected into mammalian cells, and when the gene of interest is active in the cells, the reporter gene is also expressed and can be measured using appropriate detection reagents.
Reporter Gene Assay
Reporter gene assays enable researchers to determine whether a gene is expressed and at what level. They are used to study signaling pathways, gene regulation, structure of regulatory elements, and much more. A reporter gene vector consists of a promoter or gene of interest, along with a reporter gene such as firefly luciferase, which codes for a protein whose activity can be easily measured. The vector is transfected into mammalian cells, and when the gene of interest is active in the cells, the reporter gene is also expressed and can be measured using appropriate detection reagents.
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TRF, TR-FRET & HTRF
Learn all about time-resolved fluorescence – TRF and TR-FRET including HTRF assays. We’ll provide applications resources to aid in your research, including kinase assays, cellular signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, cell cytotoxicity, and more.
TRF, TR-FRET & HTRF
Learn all about time-resolved fluorescence – TRF and TR-FRET including HTRF assays. We’ll provide applications resources to aid in your research, including kinase assays, cellular signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, cell cytotoxicity, and more.
Specifications & Options of FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Resources of FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Application Note
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
Optimized HTRF settings for SpectraMax multi-mode microplate readers
HTRF assays from Cisbio have evolved to encompass the areas of G protein-coupled receptors, kinases and cell signaling, epigenetics, and biomarkers.
Application Note
Development of a platelet calcium flux assay using Fura-2, AM on the FlexStation 3 reader
Development of a platelet calcium flux assay using Fura-2, AM on the FlexStation 3 reader
Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells that mediate haemostasis by aggregating at sites of blood vessel injury to form a thrombus (or clot) that limits blood loss. When platelets…
Application Note
Monitor NF-κB activation with a sensitive dual reporter assay on the SpectraMax iD5 microplate reader
Monitor NF-κB activation with a sensitive dual reporter assay on the SpectraMax iD5 microplate reader
Reporter genes are valuable tools for studying gene expression, serving as surrogates for genes involved in various signaling pathways and disease conditions. Luciferases are the most…
Data Sheet
FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
This datasheet for the FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader can be utilized in a variety of experiments using its five read-modes and flexible liquid transfer and pipetting cap…
Application Note
Development of optimized workflows to enable calcium mobilization assays on the SpectraMax iD3 and iD5 readers
Development of optimized workflows to enable calcium mobilization assays on the SpectraMax iD3 and iD5 readers
As a laboratory’s requirements often change according to ongoing research needs, having a multi-mode microplate reader that offers multiple detection modes such as absorbance,…
eBook
From ELISA to epigenetics with HTRF
From ELISA to epigenetics with HTRF
HTRF® is a versatile TR-FRET technology developed by Cisbio for detecting biomolecular interactions. Assays encompass the areas of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), kinases and cel…
Application Note
Comparing performance of SpectraMax absorbance microplate readers using an endotoxin assay
Comparing performance of SpectraMax absorbance microplate readers using an endotoxin assay
Control Standard Endotoxin (CSE) was reconstituted with the volume of LAL reagent water (LRW) indicated on the Certificate of Analysis included with the kit to yield a solution of 100…
eBook
Phenotypic Screening With iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neurons
Phenotypic Screening With iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Neurons
This new eBook discusses early drug safety testing using HTS iPSC-derived cells with imaging. Download it now!
Application Note
Calcium flux assay for in vitro neurotoxicity studies and drug screening
Calcium flux assay for in vitro neurotoxicity studies and drug screening
Calcium imaging, or monitoring changes in intracellular calcium, is an extremely useful technique for investigating the variety of roles that calcium ions have in functioning neurons.…
eBook
Optimized Assays for Breakthrough Research
Optimized Assays for Breakthrough Research
Biology research has been greatly simplified by the availability of standardized assay kits, instruments, and assay protocols from commercial manufacturers.
Application Note
Detect dual luciferase expression on the FlexStation 3 microplate reader
Detect dual luciferase expression on the FlexStation 3 microplate reader
Reporter gene assays are important tools for studying gene expression associated with the activation of cellular pathways. Cells are transfected with a plasmid containing the reporter…
eBook
Fast Track Cell-Based Assays Like a Pro
Fast Track Cell-Based Assays Like a Pro
Our FlexStation® 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a multi-detection platform that increases liquid handling throughput and flexibility for biochemical- and cell-based kinetic assays…
Application Note
ß-Lactamase-Inhibitor Protein Binding Affinities: Detection of Hydrolysis of ß-Lactam Substrate by TEM-1 Enzyme and Inhibitor Binding Using The FlexStation® 3 Microplate Reader
ß-Lactamase-Inhibitor Protein Binding Affinities: Detection of Hydrolysis of ß-Lactam Substrate by TEM-1 Enzyme and Inhibitor Binding Using The FlexStation® 3 Microplate Reader
Bacterial resistance to ß-lactam drugs through the production of class A ß-lactamase enzymes is an increasing concern in the medical community.1 ß-lactamase inhibitory protein (BLIP)…
Application Note
Optimization of a muscarinic M3-receptor assay using frozen CHO cells on the FlexStation 3 reader
Optimization of a muscarinic M3-receptor assay using frozen CHO cells on the FlexStation 3 reader
Cell-based assays can often be challenging and time consuming. To facilitate and streamline this complicated process, frozen cells, which can be assayed without prior cultivation, have…
Application Note
Comparison of Photina luminescent calcium mobilization assays on the FlexStation 3 reader and FLIPR Tetra System
Comparison of Photina luminescent calcium mobilization assays on the FlexStation 3 reader and FLIPR Tetra System
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the most important therapeutic targets in drug discovery research. GPCRs are membrane-localized proteins that play an important…
Application Note
Gq-coupled receptor assays using the FlexStation System: M1 muscarinic receptor
Gq-coupled receptor assays using the FlexStation System: M1 muscarinic receptor
Gq-coupled receptors are transmembrane proteins that are responsible for transmitting extracellular signals to the inside of the cell, which ultimately leads to changes in gene…
Application Note
Monitoring receptor mediated changes in [Ca2+] i using single- and dual-wavelength indicators on the FlexStation 3 reader
Monitoring receptor mediated changes in [Ca2+] i using single- and dual-wavelength indicators on the FlexStation 3 reader
Calcium (Ca2+) is the most common signal transduction element in cells ranging from bacteria to specialized neurons. Measurement of changes in the concentration of intracellular…
Application Note
Stem Cell-Derived Human Neurons in CNS Drug Discovery
Stem Cell-Derived Human Neurons in CNS Drug Discovery
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders affect many people worldwide. To increase the quality and number of drugs available for treatments of CNS disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,…
Application Note
Calcium signaling with FLIPR Calcium 6 and 6-QF Assay Kits on the FlexStation 3 reader
Calcium signaling with FLIPR Calcium 6 and 6-QF Assay Kits on the FlexStation 3 reader
FLIPR® Calcium Assay Kits from Molecular Devices employ sensitive calcium indicators and proprietary masking dyes to enable researchers to conduct highly sensitive fluorescent screens…
Application Note
IMAP phosphodiesterase assays on SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
IMAP phosphodiesterase assays on SpectraMax Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a group of enzymes that degrade the phosphodiester bond of cAMP and cGMP, second messengers that are involved in a variety of biological…
Scientific Poster
Measurement of Proteosome Inhibition in Live Cells on the Analyst® GT, FLEXstation® and Gemini EM Microplate Readers Using the BD Biosciences Proteasome Sensor
Measurement of Proteosome Inhibition in Live Cells on the Analyst® GT, FLEXstation® and Gemini EM Microplate Readers Using the BD Biosciences Proteasome Sensor
The proteasome is a massive protein complex inside all eukaryotic cells (and some bacteria) that removes unnecessary proteins by breaking them down into short peptides. It consists o…
Scientific Poster
Dual Luciferase® Reporter Assay Detection on Next-Generation FlexStation® 3 Microplate Reader with Integrated Fluidics
Dual Luciferase® Reporter Assay Detection on Next-Generation FlexStation® 3 Microplate Reader with Integrated Fluidics
Learn how the FlexStation 3 can be used to accurately and easiy run Dual Luciferase® Reporter Assays using the integrated fluidics and sensitive optics of the Flexstation 3 system.…
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…


Expanding Assay Applications with Multi-Mode Readers from ELISA to AlphaScreen

FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Number of Citations*: 6,640
Latest Citations: For a complete list, please click here .
*Source: https://scholar.google.com/
- Dated: Jan 12, 2022Publication Name: Humana Press
Ratiometric Ca2+ Measurements Using the FlexStation® Scanning Fluorometer
Many commercial organizations currently use the Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR®: Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA) to conduct highthroughput measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration (see Chapter 7 ), taking advantage of its rapid kinetics, reliability, and compatibility for automation. For the majority of industrial applications… View moreMany commercial organizations currently use the Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR®: Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA) to conduct highthroughput measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration (see Chapter 7 ), taking advantage of its rapid kinetics, reliability, and compatibility for automation. For the majority of industrial applications, the primary limitation of FLIPR (i.e., its requirement for single wavelength fluorescent probes using visible light excitation) is not a significant issue. Indeed, visible light probes offer certain benefits over their ultraviolet (UV)-excited ratiometric counterparts, such as reduced sample autofluorescence and higher absorbance, thereby allowing relatively low concentrations of dye to be used. However, under certain circumstances researchers may prefer to conduct high-throughput experiments with ratiometric dyes, particularly when issues of dye leakage, photobleaching, or signal-to-noise ratio become a concern.
- Dated: Aug 17, 2011Publication Name: Jove Journal
Cell-based Calcium Assay for Medium to High Throughput Screening of TRP Channel Functions using FlexStation 3
The Molecular Devices' FlexStation 3 is a benchtop multi-mode microplate reader capable of automated fluorescence measurement in multi-well plates. It is ideal for medium- to high-throughput screens in academic settings. It has an integrated fluid transfer module equipped with a multi-channel pipetter and the machine reads one column at a time to… View moreThe Molecular Devices' FlexStation 3 is a benchtop multi-mode microplate reader capable of automated fluorescence measurement in multi-well plates. It is ideal for medium- to high-throughput screens in academic settings. It has an integrated fluid transfer module equipped with a multi-channel pipetter and the machine reads one column at a time to monitor fluorescence changes of a variety of fluorescent reagents. For example, FlexStation 3 has been used to study the function of Ca2+-permeable ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors by measuring the changes of intracellular free Ca2+ levels. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a large family of nonselective cation channels that play important roles in many physiological and pathophysiological functions. Most of the TRP channels are calcium permeable and induce calcium influx upon activation. In this video, we demonstrate the application of FlexStation 3 to study the pharmacological profile of the TRPA1 channel, a molecular sensor for numerous noxious stimuli. HEK293 cells transiently or stably expressing human TRPA1 channels, grown in 96-well plates, are loaded with a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye, Fluo-4, and real-time fluorescence changes in these cells are measured before and during the application of a TRPA1 agonist using the FLEX mode of the FlexStation 3. The effect of a putative TRPA1 antagonist was also examined. Data are transferred from the SoftMax Pro software to construct concentration-response relationships of TRPA1 activators and inhibitors.
- Dated: Dec 15, 2005Publication Name: Journal of Neuroscience Methods
FlexStation examination of 5-HT3 receptor function using Ca2+- and membrane potential-sensitive dyes: Advantages and potential problems
The FlexStation is a 96 or 384 fluorescent plate reader with the capability of adding solutions during readings; it therefore has the potential to provide high throughput analyses of the functional characteristics of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels that can be examined using changes in fluorescence. The 5-HT3 receptor is one such protein, as… View moreThe FlexStation is a 96 or 384 fluorescent plate reader with the capability of adding solutions during readings; it therefore has the potential to provide high throughput analyses of the functional characteristics of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels that can be examined using changes in fluorescence. The 5-HT3 receptor is one such protein, as its activation results in a change in membrane potential due to the opening of a Ca2+-permeant, cation-selective channel; it can therefore be studied using both Ca2+- and membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dyes. Here we have used the FlexStation to examine the function of recombinant 5-HT3 receptors expressed in HEK293 cells using both these classes of dye. The results show that the pharmacological characteristics of the receptor obtained using the FlexStation is similar to those reported using other functional methods, although caution must be applied when using the membrane potential dye as large changes in membrane potential can yield inaccurate EC50s. Modifying the constituents of the buffer, however, so that the change in membrane potential was reduced, yielded EC50 values that were similar to previously reported data. We conclude that the FlexStation is a useful tool for high throughput studies when examining the function of neurotransmitter receptors that result in either a change in Ca2+ concentration or membrane potential.
FlexStation® 3 Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
Product | Part Number |
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FlexStation 3 Microplate Reader with SoftMax Pro Software Includes: FlexStation 3 Base System, 1 year warranty covering parts & labor. **Does not include 8 or 16 channel pipettor head, must be purchased separately and MUST be ordered at the time of ordering the instrument. | Flex3 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume Starter Kit | 0200-6262 |
SpectraDrop™ Micro-Volume HTS Kit | 0200-6267 |
FlexStation 3 Benchtop Multi-Mode Microplate Reader IQ/OQ Validation Protocols | 0112-0160 |
Related Products & Services of FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Featured Applications

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

ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are used to measure the amount of a specific protein,…

Enzyme Activity
Enzyme activity can be monitored in real time using a chromogenic substrate which, upon its…

Fast Kinetic Calcium Mobilization Assays
Gq protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) activation can be monitored by measuring the increase in…

Fluorescence
Learn all about fluorescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the instruments used to…

Fluorescence Polarization (FP)
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a technique that is widely used to monitor binding events in…

Luminescence
Learn about luminescence detection – what it is, how it works, and the advantages of luminescence…

Reporter Gene Assay
Reporter gene assays enable researchers to determine whether a gene is expressed and at what level…

TRF, TR-FRET & HTRF
Learn all about time-resolved fluorescence – TRF and TR-FRET including HTRF assays. We’ll provide…
Customer Breakthrough


SUCCESS STORY
The University of Rouen in Normandy uses the SpectraMax iD3 and FlexStation 3 for calcium studies, and in its teaching laboratories
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?