BMG Labtech PHERAstar FSX

Reading Accuracy

Absorbance accuracy < 1% @ 2 OD; precision < 0.5% @ 1 OD, < 0.8% @ 2 OD; linearity ≤ 0.8% @ 2 OD; FP precision < 0.5 mP (384), < 1.5 mP (1536)

Absorbance Range

0 – 4 OD; resolution 0.001 OD

Sensitivity

FI top: < 0.15 pM (384), < 0.5 pM (1536); FI bottom: < 1.0 pM; TRF: < 5 fM (384), < 15 fM (1536); LUM: < 0.4 pM; Alpha: 1100% (High Cal), >25% (Low Cal)

Measurement Speed

1536-well: 27s (1 flash), 1m52s (10 flashes), 5m18s (50 flashes); 384-well: 14s (1 flash), 38s (10 flashes), 1m29s (50 flashes); spectrum < 1s/well

Dynamic Range

8 decades (FI, LUM); EDR technology

Wavelength Range

Filters: 230–750/900 nm (FI, FP, TRF); 230–750 nm (LUM); Spectrometer (ABS): 220–1000 nm

Wavelength Selection

Via Optic Modules; full spectrum or 8 wavelengths for ABS

Measurement Technology

ABS, FI (incl. FRET), LUM (incl. BRET), FP, TRF (incl. TR-FRET), AlphaScreen®, AlphaLISA®, AlphaPlex™, Nephelometry

Detector

4 PMTs in 2 matched pairs (FI/LUM, TRF); CCD for ABS; 5 assay-dedicated detectors

Optical System

Free air path, motor-driven mirrors, dual emission, high-transmission filters, Z-adjustment

Light Source

Xenon flash lamp; lasers @ 337 nm (TRF) & 680 nm (Alpha)

Excitation and Emission Filters

Included in Optic Modules

Autofocus

Automatic Z-adjustment, 0.1 mm resolution

Plate Shaking

Linear, orbital, double-orbital; time & speed configurable

Microplate Formats

Up to 3456 wells; supports user-defined and LVis Plate (2 μL spots, 1 mL cuvette)

Reagent Injector System

2 injectors; 3–500 µL (up to 2 mL optional); up to 4 events/well; 6–384 wells; speed up to 420 µL/s

Plate Reader Mode

Top/bottom reading; endpoint/kinetic; multi-excitation/emission; dual emission; well scanning; ratiometric; spectral scan

Data Acquisition

All above modes; real-time injection/detection; dual emission; well scanning

Data Analysis

MARS software: curve fitting, EC50, enzyme kinetics, DNA/RNA quant., ANOVA/t-tests, S/N, %CV, Z', templates, charts

Automation

Robotic integration; ASCII/LIMS compatible; ActiveX/DDE interfaces; barcode readers; stacker/handler options

Software

Multi-user, license-free; includes Reader Control & MARS; FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant

Ease of Use

Optic Modules, EDR, autofocus, user-friendly software

Maintenance and Durability

Made-in-Germany; service contracts available

Operating Conditions

Incubation: +5°C above ambient to 45°C; AAS: 18–45°C with humidity control, reduced evaporation

Power and Cooling

100/115/230 V, 50/60 Hz; 50 W (operating), 20 W (idle), 0 W (off), +30 W with AAS

Dimensions and Footprint

45×51×47 cm, 49 kg; with AAS: 48×68×47 cm, 62 kg

Brand and Model

BMG LABTECH, PHERAstar FSX

Documentation and Support

Global support, app notes, manuals, 12,000+ citations, webinars, service contracts

Compatibility and Connectivity

Robotic integration, ActiveX/DDE, ASCII output

Configuration and Options

Upgradeable detection modes, injectors; accessories: Stacker, incubator, LVis Plate

Licensing and Certification

No license needed; software FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant; NIST-traceable LVis Plate

Cost and Operational Expenses

Not specified