Microplate Reader (Elisa Reader) Application Fields + Common Problems & Solutions

Microplate Reader (Elisa Reader)

Application Fields + Common Problems & Solutions

I. Main Applications

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Detection of antigens and antibodies, screening for infectious diseases, testing of hormones, tumor markers, allergens, etc.

Life Science Research

Protein quantification, cell proliferation assay, cytotoxicity test, enzyme activity determination.

Food and Agricultural Product Testing

Detection of antibiotic residues, veterinary drug residues, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues.

Veterinary Medicine, CDC, Water Quality and Environmental Testing

Rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of large batches of samples.

Clinical Diagnosis (Medical Microplate Reader)

Routine testing in hospital clinical laboratories, physical examination centers, and third-party medical laboratories.

II. Common Problems & Solutions

1. Inaccurate Readings / Large Value Fluctuations

Possible Causes:

Microplate not placed evenly; air bubbles in wells

Inconsistent reaction time or temperature

Dirty filter or dust in optical path

Inaccurate sample addition; reagent issues

Solutions:

Re-position the microplate evenly and remove air bubbles in wells

Standardize incubation time and temperature

Clean the filter and optical detection path

Standardize sample addition and check reagent validity

2. Poor Repeatability (Large Variation Within the Same Plate)

Possible Causes:

Instrument not preheated and stabilized

Slow or inconsistent sample addition time

Poor-quality microplate

Abnormal optical path or filter

Solutions:

Preheat the instrument for 10–15 minutes before testing

Speed up sample addition to ensure synchronous reaction

Replace with qualified microplates

Calibrate wavelength and filter

3. Startup Error / Failed Self-Test

Possible Causes:

Unstable power supply or poor connection

Filter not properly installed or damaged

Mechanical moving parts stuck

Internal sensor abnormality

Solutions:

Check power cord and socket, then restart the instrument

Open the instrument to verify correct filter installation

Check for foreign objects blocking the mechanical arm

Contact the manufacturer for hardware maintenance

4. Failed Computer Connection / Software Communication Error

Possible Causes:

Loose USB / serial cable

Driver not installed or incompatible

Incorrect communication port selection

Blocked by computer firewall / antivirus software

Solutions:

Reconnect the data cable and test with another port

Install the corresponding driver for the model

Select the correct COM port or USB port in the software

Disable firewall and reconnect

5. Wrong Wavelength / No Reading

Possible Causes:

Incorrect wavelength selection

Missing or damaged filter

Aging light source lamp

Solutions:

Verify the required wavelength (commonly 450 nm, 492 nm, 630 nm)

Check filter model and position

Replace the light source lamp (halogen / LED)

6. Abnormal Printing / Data Export Failure

Possible Causes:

Printer not online

Incorrect format settings

Unconfigured software parameters

Solutions:

Check printer connection and paper

Reset output format

Restart the software and instrument

7. Daily Maintenance (Can be Used Directly in After-Sale Documents)

Keep the laboratory dry and dust-free

Clean the sample compartment after each use

Calibrate wavelength and repeatability regularly

Avoid severe vibration

Power on the instrument periodically if not used for a long time