Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC Microplate Reader

Overview

The Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC Microplate Reader is a robust, entry-level absorbance microplate reader engineered for reproducible quantification of biological and biochemical assays in academic, clinical, and industrial life science laboratories. Operating on the principle of monochromatic absorbance photometry, it measures optical density (OD) across a broad spectral range (340–850 nm), enabling compatibility with standard chromogenic substrates used in ELISA, enzyme kinetics, cell viability, and protein quantification workflows. Its fixed-wavelength configuration—achieved via high-transmission interference filters—ensures stable photometric performance without mechanical wavelength scanning, contributing to long-term signal consistency and reduced maintenance requirements. Designed for routine high-throughput screening environments, the instrument delivers rapid read times for both 96-well and 384-well plates, supporting labs transitioning from manual spectrophotometry to standardized plate-based assay platforms.

Key Features

• Fixed-wavelength absorbance detection with pre-installed optical filters covering 340–850 nm; no moving grating or monochromator required
• Integrated temperature-controlled incubation module with precise PID regulation up to 50 °C, suitable for kinetic assays requiring thermal stabilization (e.g., enzymatic reactions, cell-based assays)
• Orbital shaking function with adjustable speed and duration to ensure homogeneous mixing prior to measurement
• High-contrast 7-inch color LCD touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation and multi-language support (English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German)
• Dedicated Thermo Scientific SkanIt™ software for instrument control, protocol management, real-time data visualization, and customizable report generation
• USB 2.0 host port for direct connection to external storage devices; supports export of raw OD values, calculated concentrations, and QC metrics in CSV and Excel-compatible formats

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Multiskan FC accommodates standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant microplates—including clear, white, and black polystyrene and polypropylene plates—as well as opaque-bottom assay plates used in luminescence-coupled absorbance applications (e.g., NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenase assays). It supports common assay chemistries including pNPP, TMB, ABTS, and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) substrates. While not certified for diagnostic use under IVD regulations, the system meets general laboratory equipment requirements per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing laboratories and supports GLP-compliant documentation when used with SkanIt™ audit trail functionality (user login, protocol versioning, timestamped result logs). All firmware and software comply with IEC 61000-6-3 EMC emission standards and IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.

Software & Data Management

SkanIt™ software provides a validated, Windows-based platform for method development, plate layout design, and post-acquisition analysis. It includes built-in curve-fitting algorithms (linear, 4-parameter logistic, log-logit, polynomial), background subtraction options, and inter-plate normalization tools. Data integrity is reinforced through user-access controls, electronic signature support, and optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance modules (available via licensed add-on). Raw absorbance data are stored in vendor-neutral .txt and .csv formats, facilitating integration with LIMS systems or third-party statistical packages such as GraphPad Prism or R. The software also supports automated pass/fail criteria based on user-defined thresholds—critical for QC release testing in biomanufacturing and quality control environments.

Applications

• Quantitative ELISA for cytokine, hormone, and antibody detection
• Protein concentration determination via Bradford, BCA, or Lowry assays
• Endotoxin detection using chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) methods
• Cytotoxicity and proliferation assays (e.g., MTT, XTT, WST-1)
• Enzyme activity profiling (e.g., ALP, LDH, β-galactosidase)
• Growth curve monitoring of bacterial and mammalian cultures
• Cell-based reporter gene assays where absorbance serves as a secondary readout

FAQ

Is the Multiskan FC compatible with 384-well plates?
Yes—the optical path and plate carrier are mechanically optimized for ANSI-standard 384-well microplates, with automatic plate type recognition.
Does the instrument support kinetic measurements?
Yes—time-resolved absorbance readings can be performed at user-defined intervals over durations up to 24 hours, provided the incubation and shaking parameters are configured accordingly.
Can SkanIt™ software be installed on multiple computers?
A single license permits installation on one primary workstation and one backup machine, subject to Thermo Fisher’s End User License Agreement (EULA).
What is the photometric accuracy and repeatability specification?
At 450 nm, typical photometric accuracy is ±0.010 OD (0–2.0 OD range) and intra-plate CV is ≤0.5% under controlled ambient conditions—values consistent with ISO 15197:2013 Annex C verification protocols.
Is service and technical support available outside North America?
Yes—Thermo Fisher maintains authorized service centers across APAC, EMEA, and LATAM regions; local distributors provide on-site calibration, preventive maintenance, and firmware updates per ISO/IEC 17025 traceable procedures.