BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer Overview & Specs

The BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer (model ELx5016V) is a compact, self-contained automated microplate washer engineered for standard 96-well microplates and strip configurations. Designed for clinical diagnostics, biotechnology research, and routine academic laboratories, this system provides precise liquid dispensing and aspiration to replace laborious manual pipetting and washing protocols. By delivering uniform washing across individual wells, it preserves experimental sensitivity and minimizes well-to-well variability in ELISA, protein binding, and cell-based assays.

Key Specifications of the BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer

• Microplate Compatibility: Standard 96-well microplates and 1×8 strip configurations (flat, round, and V-bottom well profiles).
• Dispense Volume Range: 25 to 3,000 µL per well in 1 µL increments.
• Residual Volume: Extremely low residual volume (under 2 µL per well), preventing sample carryover and background interference.
• Fluid Delivery: High-precision syringe drive fluid system for repeatable fluid dispensing.
• Operating Footprint: Space-saving benchtop architecture suitable for crowded laboratory hoods and workstations.
• Electrical Supply: Universal power input compatible with standard 100–240V, 50/60 Hz laboratory circuits.

BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer Dispensing and Aspiration

The BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer incorporates precise robotic fluidics to accommodate both robust and sensitive assays:

• Syringe Drive Precision: Provides exact fluid delivery without relying on external pressurized reagent bottles, ensuring consistent volume uniformity.
• Adjustable Aspiration Parameters: Allows fine-tuning of needle height, horizontal positioning, and crosswise aspiration. Consequently, it prevents accidental disruption of delicate adherent cell monolayers.
• Automated Soak and Shake Cycles: Features user-programmable soak periods and multi-speed orbital shaking to optimize antigen-antibody binding and wash efficiency.

User Interface and Software Control

Programming and daily operation remain straightforward through an integrated onboard control panel:

• Keypad & LCD Interface: Features an intuitive two-line LCD screen and tactile keypad, enabling operators to create, edit, and store multi-step wash protocols without requiring a dedicated external computer.
• Pre-Programmed Routines: Includes built-in maintenance routines, such as prime, rinse, and clean cycles, to prevent fluid line clogging.
• Fluid Level Monitoring: Optional sensory float switches alert operators to empty waste reservoirs or replenish wash buffers, safeguarding against unattended overflows.

BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer Maintenance and Build Quality

In addition, engineered with chemical-resistant materials, the system withstands routine exposure to mild detergents, saline buffers, and disinfectant solutions. Furthermore, the removable manifold assembly and slide-out carrier facilitate quick disassembly for autoclave sterilization or daily ultrasonic cleaning.

Overall, the BioTek ELx50 Strip Washer delivers an accurate, low-maintenance automated washing solution that enhances assay reproducibility and workflow efficiency across diverse laboratory applications.