US 7,115,232 B2Granted

Fluorescence validation microplate and method of use

AssigneeNone recorded

InventorGordon S. Hudson

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Abstract

A fluorescence validation microplate for testing the validity of a fluorometer is provided which can efficiently and cost-effectively test fluorometers to determine linearity, alignment, reproducibility, filter integrity, and cross-talk, each of which is important to proper functioning of the fluorometer.

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Claims9

Dependent claims

A fluorescence validation microplate for testing the validity of a fluorescence microplate reader comprising a microplate having a plurality of wells therein, said plurality of wells comprising:

(a) a first set of measurement wells in a 3×3 grid suitable for performing a cross-talk one-in-eight well design test wherein the center well of the first set contains a solid fluorophore and the outer wells of the first set contain no fluorophore;
(b) a second set of measurement wells in a 3×3 grid suitable for performing a cross-talk eight-around-one well design test wherein the center of the second set contains no fluorophore and the outer wells of the second set each contains a solid fluorophore;
(c) a third set of wells suitable for performing a linearity test wherein each well of the third set has a different concentration of solid fluorophore or the wells within the third set are decreasing in diameter;
(d) a fourth set of wells suitable for performing an alignment test wherein each well of the fourth set has the same exact amount of solid fluorophore.

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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

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Abstract

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Claims9

Dependent claims

A fluorescence validation microplate for testing the validity of a fluorescence microplate reader comprising a microplate having a plurality of wells therein, said plurality of wells comprising:

(a) a first set of measurement wells in a 3×3 grid suitable for performing a cross-talk one-in-eight well design test wherein the center well of the first set contains a solid fluorophore and the outer wells of the first set contain no fluorophore;
(b) a second set of measurement wells in a 3×3 grid suitable for performing a cross-talk eight-around-one well design test wherein the center of the second set contains no fluorophore and the outer wells of the second set each contains a solid fluorophore;
(c) a third set of wells suitable for performing a linearity test wherein each well of the third set has a different concentration of solid fluorophore or the wells within the third set are decreasing in diameter;
(d) a fourth set of wells suitable for performing an alignment test wherein each well of the fourth set has the same exact amount of solid fluorophore.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description4,222 words

Summary2,674 words

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to the measurement of fluorescence by a fluorescence microplate reader. In particular, the present invention relates to a fluorescence validation microplate which is used to validate the reliability of the information received from a fluorescent assay microplate during its reading in a fluorescence microplate reader.

#2. Description of Related Art

Brief description of the drawings11 figures

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention depicting a fluorescence validation microplate of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a view of the bottom surface of the top plate of the validity plate in position to receive the illustrated fluorophore of the invention in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Detailed description1,300 words

#Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The validity plate 1, depicted is one for testing a standard 96 position fluorometer. It consists of a top plate 2 and bottom plate 3 connected in alignment with bolts 4. The top 10 of the validity plate 1 and bottom 11 are indicated as well, as left side 12 and right side 13 of validity plate 1 for orientation are indicated.

#The validity plate 1 has wells 25, 22 which are of varying diameters and/or depths and are arranged such that a variety of test can be performed. Each well shown is fitted with a fluorophore. The validity plate 1 also has blanks 6 which are solid measurement positions on the validity plate 1 with no well (and thus no fluorophore). Each well 22, 25 and blank 6 corresponds to an optical reading device measurement position on the fluorometer. In an embodiment not shown, the blanks are simply empty wells with no fluorophore.

#FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1. Shown is the validity plate 1 with only the top plate 2 visible. Bolts 4 are also visible in the perspective. Fluorophore 42, 26, 27, 28 are shown below the surface of the top plate 2, each being of a different color fluorophore e.g. fluorescent red, blue or green, respectively. Wells 22 and 25 are thus fitted with a fluorophore 42, 26, 27, 28. Top 10, bottom 11, sides 12 and 13 are also depicted for orientation. Also depicted in this embodiment is countersunk edges 71.

Abstract

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Claims9

Abstract

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Claims9

Description4,222 words

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Classification5 codes

Life of this patent

Description4,222 words