You’ve probably seen them tucked away in labs—compact machines humming quietly while handling rows of tiny wells. The devices called microplate washers might not grab headlines, but they’re the backbone of countless experiments. Without them, tasks like ELISA tests or cell-based assays would take hours of tedious pipetting, leaving room for human error. Let’s explore why these devices matter and how to pick the right one for your lab.
How Do Microplate Washers Work?
Imagine a robot that washes dishes but for science. Microplate washers automate the process of adding buffers, soaking, and suctioning liquids from plates with 96 or 384 wells. They use pumps to control fluid flow and nozzles that target each well precisely. The goal? Remove unwanted materials without disturbing cells or proteins clinging to the plate’s surface.
A good washer leaves behind less than 2 microliters of liquid per well—critical for avoiding false results. For example, in Ebola testing, leftover reagents could mask virus detection. By automating washes, these tools cut hands-on time and boost consistency.
What Makes a Great Microplate Washer?
Not all washers are equal. Here’s what to prioritize:
1. Speed vs. Precision
High-throughput labs need washers that process plates fast. Some models handle 150 plates hourly, ideal for large studies. But speed shouldn’t sacrifice accuracy. Look for adjustable settings—like nozzle height or suction strength—to adapt to fragile samples like cells.
2. Flexibility
Can it switch between 96- and 384-well plates? Avoid buying separate machines. Some washers adjust automatically, saving lab space and budget.
3. Easy Maintenance
Clogged nozzles are a headache. Machines with self-cleaning modes or ultrasonic vibrations reduce downtime. Daily rinses with distilled water or ethanol help, too.
4. Gentle Handling
Angled nozzles direct liquid to well walls, not cell layers. This prevents dislodging delicate samples—a must for cancer research or drug screening.
Strip Washers vs. Full-Plate Systems: Which Fits Your Lab?
- Strip Washers: Affordable and simple, these wash 8-12 wells at a time. Perfect for small labs running a few plates daily. But they’re slow—think 5 minutes per plate.
- Full-Plate Washers: These process all 96 wells simultaneously, slashing wash times to seconds. Models like Berthold’s Zoom HT even handle 384-well plates without hardware swaps. Ideal for labs prioritizing speed.
Where Microplate Washers Shine
- ELISA Testing: Automating washes between antibody steps reduces background noise, making results clearer.
- Cell Culture: Gentle washing preserves cell layers for toxicity studies or vaccine development.
- Drug Discovery: High-throughput systems screen thousands of compounds daily, accelerating research.
Keeping Your Washer Happy
Microplate washers last decades with care. Flush lines after each use to prevent residue buildup. Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach—they corrode tubing. Monthly checks for cracks or leaks save costly repairs. And if your machine starts acting up, don’t panic. Often, a quick nozzle clean or software reset does the trick.
Final Thoughts
Microplate washers are the quiet workhorses behind reliable science. Whether you’re diagnosing diseases or developing new drugs, picking the right one ensures your data stays consistent. For labs needing speed and adaptability, full-plate systems like Berthold’s Zoom HT offer a balance of performance and ease. But no matter the model, regular upkeep keeps these machines running smoothly—so your experiments can, too.
Next time you load a plate, take a second to appreciate the tech doing the grunt work. After all, science is better when machines handle the washing.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
