ELISA 48 & 96 Wells

The 48-well and 96-well ELISA formats are specialized microplate configurations commonly used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for high-sensitivity detection of specific proteins, antibodies, or antigens. The choice between a 48-well and a 96-well plate format depends on sample volume, assay scale, and throughput requirements.

Structural Differences

1. Well Count and Arrangement:
   • 48-Well Plates: Configured in a 6x8 grid, allowing for a medium-throughput format suited for experiments where fewer samples or replicates are tested, with a higher volume per well.
   • 96-Well Plates: Arranged in an 8x12 grid, widely adopted for high-throughput screening, enabling simultaneous processing of a larger number of samples or replicates with smaller sample volumes.
2. Well Volume:
   • 48-Well: Holds larger volumes per well, typically between 500-1000 µL, providing flexibility for assays requiring higher sample or reagent volumes.
   • 96-Well: Accommodates 50-300 µL per well, optimized for standard ELISA protocols that benefit from minimal reagent usage and higher efficiency.

Applications of 48-Well vs. 96-Well ELISA Plates

• 48-Well ELISA Plates:
  • Preferred in pilot studies or preliminary screenings where sample quantity is limited or fewer test conditions are required.
  • Ideal for applications needing higher sample volumes for increased sensitivity or lower detection limits.
  • Suitable for assays where less automation is used and smaller sample sets are being analyzed.
• 96-Well ELISA Plates:
  • Widely used in large-scale studies and high-throughput screening, where analyzing a greater number of samples or replicates simultaneously is essential.
  • Commonly implemented in biomarker discovery, immunoassays, and pharmacokinetics, where processing efficiency and reproducibility are critical.
  • Compatible with automated liquid handling systems, enabling high-throughput data collection and reducing manual error.