Overview

A high‐performance, fully programmable multimode reader designed for biochemical and cell‐based assays. The Varioskan LUX combines five detection modalities in a single instrument—enabling absorbance (UV-Vis), fluorescence intensity, luminescence, AlphaScreen/AlphaLISA, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Its built-in temperature and optional gas control modules make it ideally suited for kinetic enzymatic assays, cell-based experiments, and rapid “flash” luminescence protocols.

Key Features & Capabilities

1. Detection Technologies
2. Absorbance (UV-Vis):
3. • Wavelength range: 200–1,000 nm (monochromator-based spectral scanning)
4. • Read range: 0 – 6 A (typical)
5. Fluorescence Intensity:
6. • Excitation/emission via filters or dual monochromators
7. • Spectral scanning (360–670 nm) for assay optimization
8. Luminescence:
9. • Direct and filtered detection modes
10. • Sensitivity: <7 amol ATP per well (384-well, white plate)
11. • Fast kinetic “flash” capability—ideal for ATP‐based and reporter‐gene assays
12. AlphaScreen / AlphaLISA & Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF):
13. • Certified HTRF™ (Cisbio Bioassays) and DLReady™ (Promega) compatible
14. • Time-resolved FRET/hTRF detection for high-sensitivity, low-background assays
15. Measurement Modes
16. Endpoint
17. Kinetic (multi‐timepoint)
18. Spectral scanning
19. Kinetic spectra (time‐resolved spectrum acquisition)
20. Multipoint (user‐defined well subsets)
21. Plate Format & Throughput
22. Supports standard plates from 6- to 1,536-well formats (6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384, 1,536)
23. Read times (minimum):
24. • 96-well plate: ≈ 15 s
25. • 384-well plate: ≈ 45 s
26. • 1,536-well plate: ≈ 135 s
27. Optics & Spectral Control
28. Filter-based and dual monochromator optics for maximum flexibility
29. Automatic dynamic range selection adjusts gain/attenuation to optimize signal
30. Bottom- and top-reading configurations (depending on model number) Thermo Fisher Scientific
31. Temperature & Gas Control (Optional Modules)
32. Built-in incubator: Maintains plate temperature from ambient +4 °C up to 45 °C; upper heating element set slightly higher than lower to prevent condensation on the lid Thermo Fisher
33. Gas control module (optional):
34. • CO₂ range: 0.1 % – 15 % (±1 % accuracy at 37 °C, 5 % CO₂)
35. • O₂ range: 1 % – 21 % (±0.3 % at 1 % O₂)
36. • Useful for extended cell-based assays requiring precise atmospheric control Thermo Fisher ScientificThermo Fisher
37. Dispensing (Optional)
38. Up to two syringe dispensers (1 mL standard; 5 mL optional)
39. Dispense volumes: 2 µL – 5,000 µL (1 µL increments with 1 mL syringe); 5 µL – 25,000 µL (5 µL increments with 5 mL syringe)
40. Enables sequential reagent additions during kinetic assays (e.g., substrate injection, stop solutions) Thermo Fisher Scientific
41. Shaking & Automation
42. Built-in orbital shaker (adjustable speed) for homogeneous mixing prior to reading
43. Automated built-in safety interlocks (lid lock sensor, temperature fail-safe) to prevent errors Biocompare
44. Software
45. SkanIt™ Software (PC-based) for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting
46. Supports assay templates (ELISA, reporter gene, nucleic acid/protein quantification) and flexible scripting for custom protocols

Physical & Electrical Specifications

1. Dimensions (D × W × H): 58 cm × 53 cm × 51 cm (23 × 21 × 20 in.) Thermo Fisher
2. Weight: Approx. 53 – 60 kg (117 – 132 lb), depending on configuration Thermo Fisher Scientific
3. Power Requirements: 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (typical)
4. Interface: USB 2.0 (PC), Ethernet (optional)
5. Environment: 15 – 35 °C operating, 20 – 80 % RH (non-condensing)

Notes & Contact

1. Supplier/Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher Scientific
2. Model/Catalog Number (example configuration):
3. VLBL0TGD0 (Absorbance, Fluorescence Intensity, Luminescence, TRF; Top & Bottom reading; No dispenser)
4. Other catalog numbers available for alternate configurations (see Thermo Fisher catalog)
5. Typical Applications:
6. ELISA (protein quantification, cytokine assays)
7. Cell-based viability/proliferation (MTT, resazurin)
8. Reporter gene assays (luciferase, GFP)
9. Kinetic enzymatic assays (kinase, dehydrogenase)
10. Time-resolved FRET (TR-FRET/hTRF)
11. High-throughput screening (HTS) for life-science research