New Instruments for High Throughput Receptor Binding Assays

Abstract

The TopCount Microplate Scintillation Counter and the Matrix 9600 Direct Beta Counter are microplate compatible instruments developed to meet the needs of investigators using radioisotope assays adapted for very high throughput. This paper describes these instruments and their application to receptor binding assays. When combined with the appropriate sample handling equipment and filter media, use of these multi-detector instruments improves sample handling efficiency and shortens overall counting time. The assay protocols including filtration through glass fiber mats and membrane filters have been investigated. Results obtained from these new instruments are compared to standard techniques using conventional liquid scintillation and gamma counting.

Scintillation Proximity Assays in High-Throughput Screening

“…The first HTS SPA readers were the TopCount and Microbeta TriLux and were based on detection of the emitted photons in a PMT. 84,85,[94][95][96] These PMT counters required approximately 1-2 min per well to count enough photons for statistical significance. In the older PMT-based counters, throughput was achieved by having between six and 12 PMT detectors per instrument running in parallel, positioned above the wells.…”