Incubation cassette for receiving a microplate and microplate reader

A microplate reader comprising:

• a measurement chamber;
• a transport support which is configured to be inserted into the measurement chamber, the transport support having a bearing surface holding an incubation cassette for reducing liquid evaporation from wells of a microplate;
• wherein the incubation cassette comprises a frame for receiving the microplate, wherein the frame comprises a central opening which is surrounded by an inner wall, dimensions of which allow for placement of the microplate therein, and wherein the frame comprises an outer wall which extends substantially parallel to the inner wall and which adjoins the inner wall via an intermediate bottom such that a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid is formed by the inner wall, the outer wall and the intermediate bottom, said liquid reservoir surrounding the central opening wherein at least a portion of the incubation cassette that forms the liquid reservoir is provided with at least one transparent portion;
• a first measuring device located in the microplate reader for optically assaying or analyzing a content of the wells of the microplate in the measurement chamber;
• a second measuring device located in the microplate reader for monitoring and/or determining a liquid level in the liquid reservoir of the incubation cassette in the measurement chamber;
• and
• a controller configured to control the first measurement device, the second measurement device and movement of the transport support such that either the first measuring device is used for assaying the content of the wells of the microplate or the second measurement device is used for determining the liquid level in the liquid reservoir.