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Description
Designed for bioscience researchers with a wide variety of needs, the Thermo Scientific™ Varioskan™ LUX multimode microplate reader comes equipped with a flexible range of measurement technologies including Absorbance, Fluorescence Intensity, Luminescence, AlphaScreen, and Time-Resolved Fluorescence. The instrument simplifies measurement setup with the automatic dynamic range selection, and its smart safety controls ease workflow and help avoid experimental errors. Varioskan LUX raises the bar for reliability and ease, with technology that works in researchers' best interest.
The Varioskan LUX multimode reader has received HTRF™ certification from Cisbio Bioassays and DLReady™ validation from Promega Corporation.
The Varioskan LUX is a modular, upgradable instrument that provides excellent usability across a variety of applications.
- Up to five measurement technologies: Absorbance (UV-Vis), Fluorescence intensity (incl. FRET), Luminescence (direct and filtered), AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA and Time-resolved fluorescence (incl. TR-FRET/hTRF)
- Filter and monochromator optics
- Spectral scanning for assay optimization
- Five measurement modes including end point, kinetic, spectra, kinetic spectra and multipoint
- Integrated gas control module for setting CO2 and O2 concentrations for cell based assays
- Simultaneous dispensing and measurement for signal monitoring at the start of a reaction
- Automatic dynamic range selection, based on signal intensity of each well
- Smart safety controls designed to identify and alert the user of potential problems before they happen
- Automated instrument calibration and self-diagnostics for reliable performance
- Certified HTRF compatible reader by CisBio Bioassays
- Validated DLReady by Promega Corporation
Varioskan LUX is paired with the powerful and intuitive SkanIt Software, providing excellent usability and flexibility.
- License free—Each user can install the software on his/her computer
- Intuitive and flexible interface for multiple users and assays
- Innovative Virtual Pipetting Tool makes it easy to define samples to plate layout
- Measurement data is continuously saved to the database, so there's no data lost due to unexpected interruptions such as power outages or accidental aborting
- Simplified data processing and export
- Export data in a single mouse click, or have it emailed automatically at the end of the run
- Several file formats for exporting results: *.xlsx, *.pdf, *.xml, and *.txt
- Shows real-time spectra and kinetic curves during the measurement
- Built-in calculations for data analysis (e.g. blank subtraction, average/SD/CV%, standard curve, dose response, quality control, classification, kinetic and spectral analysis, custom formula, etc.)
- Comprehensive result reports with traceability to runtime actions and settings
- Two editions available: Research Edition for life science researchers, and Drug Discovery Edition which offers features needed for the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
The Varioskan LUX is modular and upgradeable, so you can build the system that best suits your needs. For more information, contact a sales representative.
Specifications
Specifications
| Compatibility | Automation |
| Detector Type | Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 58 x 53 x 51 cm (23 x 21 x 20 in.) |
| Incubator Temperature | Ambient +4° to 45°C |
| Interface | PC Software (Thermo Scientific SkanIt Software) |
| Light Source | Xenon Flash Lamp |
| Measurement Speed | 15 s for 96-well Plate, 45 s for 384-well Plate, 135 s for 1536-Well Plate (Minimum Times) |
| Measurement Technology | Absorbance, Fluorescence Intensity, Luminescence, Time-resolved Fluorescence |
| Plate Type | 6 to 1536-well Plates (Absorbance 6 to 384-well Plates), μDrop Plates |
| Product Line | Varioskan |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The TRF spectrum option is useful for spectral analysis, assay and label development, and optimization purpose. For example, when a new TRF chelate label is developed, TRF spectrum measurement can be used to analyze the spectra when a lot of label is loaded in the well.
When the TRF spectrum option is used, the sensitivity is not sufficient for actual TRF assays as the instrument sensitivity decreases by about 200-fold. Hence, the TRF spectrum option should not be used for normal TRF assay applications. For optimal results, the TRF spectrum option should be used for TRF spectral scanning but not for running actual TRF assays. Actual TRF assays must be performed using filter-based TRF optics in the LAT module.
If the Varioskan unit does not have TRF optics in the LAT module, TRF spectral scanning cannot be performed. In this case, TRF spectral scanning can only be performed using TRF-based filters.
Power off the Varioskan LUX instrument, open the sliding door, and then press both springs outward (1) to unlock the bottom of the front panel. Tilt the bottom of the panel outwards slightly and lift up to remove.
Look inside the instrument to locate the tray (3). Gently slide the tray to the left and then towards you to access the plate. Check for jams and make sure that the correct holder is installed. When finished, push the tray back into the instrument (exact position doesn’t matter as long as it is completely inside) and reinstall the front panel.
Note: Remove the bottom front cover on the instrument, in order to access the plate carrier, and manually pull out the plate. Do not attempt to grab the plate back through the plate door, otherwise it can cause alignment issues that will require a repair.
Relative fluorescence units (RFUs) cannot be compared between two different microplate readers. RFU values are arbitrary and dimensionless, meaning that the actual numbers don't have a specific physical meaning, but the relative values are used for comparison. The critical measurement is the ratio of signal to background.
Whether the signal is low or high is 100% dependent on the baseline, i.e., if the sample signal is 2 and the baseline is 1, then it is a low signal but if the sample signal is 2 and the baseline is 0.01, then it is a very high signal. Instruments that typically give sample signals in the tens of thousands RFUs also typically have baseline RFUs somewhere in the tens or hundreds. For example, the Varioskan Microplate Reader is designed such that the baseline is kept below 0.1 RFU.
We recommend transporting the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader in the original packaging it was delivered in, with proper padding in the box, and after securing the tray holder transport lock on the instrument. See page 84 of the user manual for instructions to refit the transport lock of the tray holder.
Note: We also offer a service to move the instrument. Please reach out to serviceproducts@thermofisher.com.
All of the DNA instruments offered by Thermo Fisher Scientific are of excellent quality. To find the right instrument to quantify DNA or RNA in your lab, explore the detailed comparison of UV-Vis spectrophotometers and fluorometers. Things like sensitivity, throughput and budget may be initial considerations when selecting a DNA quantification instrument. You may also consider whether you need target specificity, sample purity information, RNA quality information, or broad dynamic range.
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