Agilent BioTek 405 LS Microplate Washer
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | 405 LS |
| Soaking Time | 1–600 seconds |
| Wash Cycles | 1–10 |
| Residual Volume | <2 µL per well |
| Plate Shaking | User-definable speed and duration |
Overview
The Agilent BioTek 405 LS Microplate Washer is a precision-engineered, benchtop liquid handling instrument designed for reproducible, low-residual washing of 96- and 384-well microplates in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled aspiration and dispense using dual-action wash heads with angled dispensing nozzles and independently adjustable flow rates—enabling optimized fluid dynamics for both gentle cell-based assays and high-stringency immunoassays such as ELISA. Its architecture integrates vacuum-assisted aspiration, programmable soaking, multi-cycle washing, and plate shaking to ensure uniform removal of unbound reagents while preserving delicate cellular monolayers or bead-based capture surfaces. The system is purpose-built for routine QC workflows, high-throughput screening (HTS), and regulated environments where trace residue control and process repeatability are critical.
Key Features
- Dual-action wash head with angled dispensing nozzles and independently controllable flow rates for differential treatment of sensitive cell assays and robust ELISA protocols
- Onboard touchscreen interface with intuitive menu navigation for rapid creation and execution of wash, dispense, aspirate, and maintenance protocols—no external PC required
- Full compatibility with Agilent BioTek LHC Software (Local Host Control), available in Standard and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant editions for audit-trail-enabled operation in GLP/GMP environments
- Programmable soaking (1–600 s) and up to 10 sequential wash cycles per protocol, supporting diverse assay chemistries including antibody-based detection, magnetic bead separation, and polystyrene microsphere workflows
- X-Y-Z adjustable plate carrier for precise microplate positioning—critical for minimizing edge effects, improving residual volume consistency, and optimizing cell recovery in adherent assays
- Vacuum filtration module and optional magnetic separation accessories enable integration into multi-step sample preparation pipelines
- Four-channel wash solution selection with automatic switching ensures reagent integrity and reduces cross-contamination risk during multi-step protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 405 LS supports standard ANSI/SLAS-format 96-well and 384-well plates—including flat-bottom, U-bottom, V-bottom, and tissue-culture-treated variants—as well as specialized plates used in Luminex xMAP® assays. It accommodates both aqueous and organic solvent-based wash buffers, and its low-residual aspiration (<2 µL/well) meets stringent requirements for low-background detection in fluorescence, luminescence, and absorbance readouts. The system complies with ISO 13485 design controls and is validated for use in environments governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when operated with LHC 21 CFR Part 11 Edition), EU Annex 11, and ICH-GCP guidelines. Routine calibration and performance verification procedures align with ASTM E2500-13 (Standard Guide for Specification, Design, and Verification of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Systems).
Software & Data Management
The onboard firmware provides full protocol authoring, scheduling, and real-time status monitoring via a responsive capacitive touchscreen. When connected to a host PC, the Agilent BioTek LHC Software extends functionality with advanced scripting, remote diagnostics, electronic signature support, and comprehensive audit trails—including user actions, parameter changes, and execution logs. All data files are stored in vendor-neutral CSV and XML formats, facilitating integration with LIMS, ELN, and enterprise analytics platforms. Software validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ templates) and change control records are provided to support regulatory submissions and internal quality audits.
Applications
- ELISA and multiplex immunoassays requiring consistent, low-residual plate washing across high-density formats
- Cell-based assays involving adherent or suspension cultures where mechanical stress must be minimized during buffer exchange
- Magnetic bead and polystyrene microsphere washing in nucleic acid isolation, protein purification, and cytokine profiling workflows
- Luminex xMAP® system preparation, including pre-hybridization and post-detection wash steps
- Automated vacuum filtration and solid-phase extraction in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) studies
- Integration with Agilent BioStack™ stackers and BioSpa™ live-cell imagers for end-to-end unattended assay execution
FAQ
Does the 405 LS support both 96-well and 384-well plate formats?
Yes—it automatically detects plate format and adjusts nozzle height, dispense/aspirate volumes, and timing parameters accordingly.
Is ultrasonic cleaning functionality included?
No—the 405 LS does not incorporate ultrasonic transducers; however, its programmable soaking and dual-action wash head deliver comparable residue reduction through optimized hydrodynamic action.
Can the system be integrated into automated laboratory workflows?
Yes—it features RS-232 and USB device interfaces for bidirectional communication with third-party robotic handlers, incubators, and readers, and is certified for seamless operation with BioStack and BioSpa platforms.
What validation documentation is supplied with the instrument?
Agilent BioTek provides factory-issued IQ/OQ documentation, software validation reports, and a Certificate of Conformance compliant with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards.
How is residual volume verified and maintained over time?
Residual volume is validated using gravimetric methods per ASTM D7277-14; routine verification is performed using dye-based colorimetric assays traceable to NIST standards.
