Wash stations for xMAP assays

Bio-Rad Laboratories has released two Bio-Plex Pro Wash Stations for washing bead-based assays. The Bio-Plex Pro Wash station is used exclusively for magnetic beads. The Bio-Plex Pro II Wash Station automates magnetic and vacuum wash steps for researchers who use a combination of magnetic and polystyrene assays.

Magnetic assays available for the Bio-Plex Pro and Pro II washers include human precision cytokines, human isotyping, human diabetes, human angiogenesis and human acute phase.

Both wash stations are automated, plug-and-play instruments, designed with a simplified protocol and users can expect consistent results regardless of the wash station operator.

Both wash stations were designed and optimised for xMAP assays and have a preset program for the Bio-Plex assay protocols. The units can be programmed by the user for custom wash volumes and other parameters may also be programmed to meet other assay needs.

Unlike manual washing methods, which involve as many as 14 separate steps, the Bio-Plex Pro Wash Stations simply require placing the assay plate on the station, selecting the wash program and pressing ‘start’. Results are available in 3-4 mins.