Invitron’s luminescence assay kits have been designed to be compatible with standard laboratory equipment and can be easily automated using robotic liquid handling systems. Instruments from leading suppliers have been validated for use with our assays.

Our AE Luminescence assay kits are read using a luminometer fitted with reagent injectors. Invitron can advise on instrument selection and supplies luminometers for purchase or through a reagent rental scheme. Instruments are also available on short-term loan for specific studies or evaluation.

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Invitron’s ELISA test kits have been designed to be compatible with standard laboratory equipment and can be read using a conventional microplate reader. Alternatively, the assays can be easily automated using an ELISA workstation.

Invitron now supplies the innovative Crocodile miniWorkstation for ELISA automation. Instruments are available for purchase or through a reagent rental scheme.

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The Crocodile miniWorkstation is a compact ELISA workstation for the automation of 96 well microplate assays. It is a bench-top instrument that has been designed specifically with ease of use in mind. It is easy to operate, extremely reliable and only requires minimal routine maintenance.

The miniWorkstation is a multi-purpose device, providing the same functionality as 5 individual instruments in a footprint similar to a standard stand-alone microplate reader:

1. Reagent dispenser (4 onboard dispensers)

2. Automated washer (8 channel washer/aspirator)

3. Plate shaker (Frequency: 5 – 20Hz)

4. Incubator (Temperature: ambient – 55°C)

5. OD reader (Pre-installed filters: 405, 450, 492, 620 nm)

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Automated ELISA systems make use of computer controlled equipment to carry out assay processes that would otherwise need to be performed manually. There are several reasons why laboratories choose to automate, often increased productivity is the primary reason but there are many potential benefit to consider. Here are 5 reasons why ELISA automation can be useful:

1. Improve the quality of results.
Accurate, reliable process control minimises human error and variability thus improving the quality of reported results. Precise control of timing, temperature and reagent volumes improves inter-assay and intra-assay repeatability and precision (time or temperature critical assays are not a problem).

2. Save time.
Free up time during the day or leave equipment running to perform assays at night. With ‘walk away’ automation, the system is designed for unattended operation. Once the assay has been set up the computer will take control, informing the user when the assay will be completed and getting on with the task in hand.

3. It’s easier.
Never refer to the assay user manual again! Once the protocols have been set up, the instrument stores all the steps in the assay procedure (Invitron can supply software protocols for all Invitron ELISAs). Simply plate up your samples, select the required assay protocol and the software will start the assay running. Automation eliminates manual processes and monitoring of assay processes, significantly reducing the associated strain from repetitive movement (e.g. pipetting and wash steps).

4. Regulatory compliance.
The automation software can be used to automatically generate assay reports to comply with laboratory quality systems. Individual laboratory requirements differ but reports will generally include a test description, reagent lot numbers, date/time information and assay results. The report may also include real-time information that can be more difficult to generate manually, detailing the assay conditions (e.g. dispensed reagent volumes, incubation times and temperature). In the event of unexpected results this information can be very helpful in verifying that the correct protocol and assay conditions were used. Before running an assay, the software prompts the user to select the required protocol and enter relevant assay data (e.g. reagent descriptions, lot numbers, expiry dates). Real time data such as time/date, volumes of reagent added, wash cycles preformed, incubation times and temperature are generated automatically by the system.

5. Reduce costs.
The automation of ELISA processes can yield large cost reductions by reducing the time associated with performing repetitive lab tasks, calculating results and generating reports. Furthermore, with an automated system, there is less chance of incorrect results due to mistakes such as inadvertently deviating from the assay protocol (e.g. incorrect pipetting volumes, reaction times or wash cycles). Less hands on time, less data manipulation and fewer repeated assays mean lower operating costs.