Determination Of Instrument Detection Limits Using The Glowell™ GLO-466 Standard

Gaseous luminescence standards – such as Glowell standards – are certified calibration reference materials  offering a stable, pre-measured light output generated by a chemical light source. These standards are particularly beneficial in controlled production processes, enabling effective verification of an instrument’s basic functions and specifications.

Some microplate reader manufacturers determine the instrument’s typical detection limit (DL) in amol/well ATP using a gaseous luminescence standard. In a protocol of one instrument supplier in the multimode reader market, the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) is calculated by measuring the luminescence signal of the standard (signal) against empty wells in a black microplate (noise). This is a poor reflection of reality, as luminescence assays are always carried out in white microplates, with liquid inside the well.