Varioskan™ LUX Multimode Microplate Reader, luminescence, top, no dispenser - FAQs

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26 product FAQs found

In the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader, how is running a TRF spectrum by setting excitation at 335 nm and using emission range different from running a filter-based TRF assay? Why does SkanIT Software have the TRF spectrum option?

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.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

How to remove a stuck microplate from the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?



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.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

Can relative fluorescence units (RFUs) be compared between two different plate readers?

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.

How can I move the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader from one place to another?

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.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

When I try to run RediPlate 96 RiboGreen RNA Kit (Cat. No. R32700) on my Varioskan LUX instrument, it says there is no plate. What should I do?

When using a strip plate with the Varioskan LUX plate reader, ensure that there is a strip covering the D6 well, as this is where the instrument checks for the presence of a plate. The strip does not need to be active; it just needs to be in place for the instrument to verify the plate's presence. Alternatively, you can resolve this issue by adjusting the software settings. Go to the general settings and uncheck the box labeled "Check plate and tip prime vessel before session execution." This will immediately solve the problem.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

Which is the best DNA or RNA quantification instrument?

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.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.

What is the difference between UV and fluorescence DNA quantification? Which DNA quantification technology should I choose?

UV and fluorescence technologies work differently to quantify DNA. UV quantification relies on the intrinsic absorptivity of DNA and RNA molecules, while fluorescence quantification uses dyes that specifically bind to your molecule of choice. With UV technology, quantification isn't as sensitive, but it has a broader dynamic range and also gives data about sample purity‒plus it is faster because there is no reagent prep. With fluorescence technology you get higher sensitivity and molecule-specific data, but it has lower dynamic range and reagent prep is required. The technology you need will depend on what features are important for your lab and experimentation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Nucleic Acid Quantification Support Center.

Is a PC included with purchase of the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

No, a PC is not included with purchase of the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

For the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader, do you have plate reader software that meets CFR 21 Part 11 regulations? Does your software have tracking function/electronic signature? Do you have a clinical version of the software?

Yes, these functions are available. However, you will need to purchase SkanIt Drug Discovery Edition Software separately (Cat. No. 5187149).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

Is software included with purchase of the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

Yes, SkanIt Software Research Edition is included with purchase of the reader.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

Can the µDrop Plate be used with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

Yes, the µDrop Plate can be used. Prewritten protocols are available in the SkanIt Software Cloud library.

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Does the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader have quadruple monochromators?

Yes, it uses 2 excitation monochromators and 2 emission monochromators.

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What is the useful lifespan of the Xenon Flash lamp in the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

Typically, the lifespan is 10E9 flashes. This is equivalent to reading about 1 million 96-well microplates using 100ms measurement time per well.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

With the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader, when do I need to use pathlength correction?

Pathlength correction is typically used when measuring DNA, RNA, or protein concentrations in the UV range.

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How many dispensers (injectors) can be ordered with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader? Can they be added after purchase?

Up to 2 dispensers (injectors) can be ordered with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader.

They can be added to the reader after purchase, but they must be installed by a Thermo Fisher Scientific Field Service Engineer.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

Which plates can be used with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

In photometry mode, 6-well to 384-well plates can be used.
In all other read modes, 6-well to 1,536-well plates can be used.

Dispensing can be carried out with 6-well to 384-well plates.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

What plate colors can be used for luminescence with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

White plates are typically used for luminescence.

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With the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader, what plate colors can be used for fluorescence intensity?

Black plates generally provide the best results; they also have the lowest background fluorescence.

Transparent or white plates can be used, but the sensitivity is often lower.

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Can the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader be integrated with robotics?

Yes, it can. To do so, you must purchase the robotic tray separately (Cat. No. N03079).

The SkanIt Automation Interface manual is available from your local support team.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

Can I add gas control after purchase of the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

No, the gas control module must be included with the instrument at the time of purchase. Please contact your Thermo Fisher Scientific sales representative for further information.

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Can I add luminescence, TRF, AlphaScreen and dispensers (injectors) after purchase of the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

Yes, all these options can be added after purchase. However, they require upgrades performed by Thermo Fisher Scientific Field Service Engineers in your lab.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

What is the maximum plate height that can be used with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

The top of the plate, including any lid in use, cannot exceed the top rim of the plate tray.
The actual maximum height depends on which plate adapter is installed in the plate tray.

Adapters for plates with lids can be ordered separately.

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Which plate adapters ship with the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

The Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader ships with adapters for use with 6-well to 48-well, 96-well and 384 well plates without lids.

Adapters for use of plates with lids as well as 1,536-well adapter for plate without lid and 96-well adaptor for PCR plate without lid can be ordered.

https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/N02693?SID=srch-hj-N02693

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I get the following error message from the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader with SkanIt Software: "Tip priming vessel not inserted"/"Dispenser tip priming was attempted when there were no waste wells inserted into the plate tray." How do I make this go away?

You are seeing this error because a waste strip was not detected in the plate tray.

The Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader ships with a strip plate. Remove one column of strip wells from the plate and insert into the slot on the left side of the plate tray to prevent the error message from appearing.

For details see Figure 2-15 on page 23 of the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader technical manual.

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Do I need to use filters in the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

Absorbance and fluorescence intensity measurements do not use filters. For luminescence applications which require filters, users should purchase the filters separately and install them in the luminescence module.

Excitation filters for time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) and AlphaScreen are included when these options are ordered; however, emission filters must be purchased separately, as they can vary based on the user's application.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.

What is the wavelength range for the Varioskan LUX Multimode Microplate Reader?

In photometry mode, the wavelength range is 200 to 1000 nm (in 1 nm increments).
In fluorometry mode, the wavelength range using top reading is 200 to 1000 nm for excitation and 270 to 840 nm for emission (in 1 nm increments).

Ranges for other options can be found on our website at: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/lab-equipment/microplate-instruments/microplate-readers/varioskan-lux-multimode-microplate-reader.html

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Cell Analysis Support Center.