What a Microplate Reader Is Used For: Inside the Diatek DR-200B
A microplate reader is a laboratory instrument designed to measure optical density (OD) in multi-well plates, allowing laboratories to quantify reactions across many samples at once rather than testing them one by one. The DR-200B Microplate Reader, produced by Wuxi hiwell-diatek Instruments co.ltd. under the Diatek brand, is built specifically as a high-throughput optical density (OD) measurement device for 96-well plates, and its design reflects common pain points found in biological and clinical laboratories: inaccurate data caused by light source instability, limited compatibility with reagent kits, and overly complex user interfaces.
Core Function: Optical Density Measurement Across 96-Well Plates
At its core, the DR-200B is engineered to read absorbance values from 96-well plates with consistency across repeated cycles. The instrument addresses the industry's underlying need for high-throughput, precise optical measurements while keeping maintenance costs low and ensuring broad compatibility with different reagent kits. This is achieved through an 8+1 optical channel system—eight vertical measurement channels paired with one reference channel—which reduces light source stabilization time and minimizes stray light interference, directly improving data integrity.
Technical Capabilities That Define Measurement Accuracy
The DR-200B's measurement performance is defined by a specific set of technical metrics:
- Wavelength Range: 400-725nm (LED) or 400-850nm (Halogen)
- Reading Speed: Single wavelength ≤ 3s; Double wavelength ≤ 6s
- Accuracy: ≤±0.005A (0.000-1.000A)
- Repeatability: CV ≤ 0.2%
- Stability: ≤±0.002A
- Linearity: R ≥ 0.990
These figures are supported by 8-channel optical fiber scanning with a reference channel for real-time stabilization, along with automatic lamp adjustment and auto-calibration. The unit runs on an X86 core CPU with Windows 7, giving it a familiar operating environment for laboratory staff. A notable maintenance-related feature is the LED cold light source with a 5-year service life, which removes the need for routine bulb replacement—one of the recurring cost burdens in optical measurement equipment.
Open System Design and Reagent Compatibility
Beyond raw measurement specifications, the DR-200B uses an "Open System" design, meaning it is compatible with all varieties of ELISA reagents and kits rather than being restricted to a proprietary reagent ecosystem. This open-system alliance extends to reagent manufacturers broadly, giving laboratories flexibility in sourcing consumables without being locked into a single supplier.
Data Management and Analysis Capabilities
The instrument's data handling capacity is substantial: it offers stable memory storage for up to 20,000,000 test data points and 500 test projects, along with support for more than 10 types of calculation algorithms, including Linear, End-point, ABS, Cut-off, and Kinetics. The integrated software supports more than 500 programmable tests and 20+ report formats, with algorithmic options extending to ABS, Cut-Off, Single-point Scale, Linear Regression, Logarithm Regression, Power Regression, and 4PL Regression.
Day-to-day operation is handled through a 10.4" capacitive touchscreen that provides a tablet-like experience for data entry and navigation, enabling up to 24 different tests on a single plate. A linear shaking function with 3 selectable speeds ensures thorough assay mixing, while a built-in thermal printer supports immediate report generation, with optional external printer support via USB. An optional incubator module is available for temperature-sensitive assays. The device also includes WiFi functionality and supports mutual data transmission between the device and a PC, with physical connectivity through DVI, VGA, LAN, USB-A/B/C, Audio, and RS-232 interfaces, plus support for external keyboards and mice via USB.
Real-World Applications Across Multiple Industries
The question of what a microplate reader is used for is best answered by looking at where the DR-200B is actually deployed:
- Medical Diagnostics: Clinical biomarker detection and ELISA-based immunoassays in hospitals and clinics.
- Food Safety: Mycotoxin detection, such as Aflatoxin, and pathogen screening at grain stations and food companies.
- Veterinary Applications: Animal disease testing and diagnostics in pet hospitals.
- Scientific Research: Drug discovery and molecular analysis.
- Education: Laboratory training and research use in universities.
The corresponding customer base spans hospitals, laboratories, universities, clinics, pet hospitals, food quality control centers, and grain storage facilities, reflecting the breadth of settings where OD measurement is required.
Benchmark Cases: Validated Performance in the Field
Two documented use cases illustrate how the DR-200B performs in practice. In grain safety testing, the instrument is utilized at grain stations for Aflatoxin testing, supporting food safety compliance through precise absorbance measurement. In clinical ELISA testing, the DR-200B has been implemented in hospitals for high-speed clinical optical measurement, performing up to 24 different tests on one plate simultaneously with a reading speed of single wavelength ≤ 3s.
Manufacturing Background, Certifications, and Service Assurance
The DR-200B is produced by Wuxi hiwell-diatek Instruments co.ltd., a specialized manufacturer with over 20 years of research and development experience in optical measurement and medical instruments, operating under an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) service model with global shipping support through forwarders and agents. The instrument carries CE Certification, ISO13485 and ISO9001 Certification, and a Class II Instrument Classification, reflecting adherence to recognized quality and medical-grade standards.
On the service side, every purchase includes a 12-month free warranty, with an 8–10 years estimated service life and access to paid lifetime maintenance. Support is delivered through online training and video-based technical support, covering pre-sales consultation and instrument installation, with routine cleaning protocols and user-replaceable parts (fuses, halogen bulbs) documented for site-level maintenance.
Summary
In short, a microplate reader like the Diatek DR-200B is used to measure optical density across 96-well plates for applications spanning medical diagnostics, food safety, veterinary care, scientific research, and education. Its combination of an 8+1 optical channel system, LED cold light source, open-system reagent compatibility, and extensive data storage and algorithmic analysis addresses the core challenges laboratories face: precision, durability, and compatibility with diverse testing workflows.
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Wuxi hiwell diatek instruments co.,ltd
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