Plate reader

Plate readers, also known as microplate readers or microplate photometers, are laboratory equipment used to see any biological, chemical or physical change in samples of chemicals in microtiter plates.

 Process 

Most of the time, a very bright lamp shines light to the microtiter well and the chemicals react in special ways which can be measured using special equipment.

Other ways to measure certain things are:
How much the chemicals absorb liquid
If they glow in certain areas
How long does a certain reaction go on for under special conditions

Today, plate readers come with tools for data analysis.

 Uses 
Plate readers are used for:
To monitor cell growth 
Acid quantities in chemicals
Cell reactions
Enzyme activity
Cell toxicity
Amounts of chemicals in cells
Checking substances for drugs

Using these plate readers can help human scientists do their work more efficiently. Plate readers are used mostly in research, to find drugs, and to help test the purity of chemicals in pharmacies and laboratories.

Related pages
Microtiter plate

Category:Laboratory equipment