Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: ProbioFerm
Not for bacterial cell counting, great for everything else!
Application Area: Fluorometric DNA Concentration, bacterial enumeration, metabolic assay
"We had originally hoped to use this for bacterial enumerations but our cells were too small to work well for this application. Instead, we've used it for metabolite assays and for Quant-It dsDNA quantification. The software is easy to use and it's easy to create new methods as needed. I love being able to use plates for DNA quantification rather than individual tubes in a fluorometer. Overall, the instrument works great. It's just unfortunate that we can't use it for cell counting."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2022
Organization: Philipps-University Marburg
Tecan Spark is the plate reader of choice for luminescence- and BRET-based assays.
Application Area:Analysis of small molecule-receptor engagement and intracellular signaling
"The Tecan Spark multimode plate reader provides high quality data for various luminescence and BRET-based assays. Compared to other plate readers in the same price range, the Spark appears to have the highest sensitivity for photon detection, which is a tremendous advantage when using less bright luciferases such as firefly, click beetle or Renilla luciferase. With very bright emitters such as nano-luciferase, the system quickly reaches the upper detection limit and the assay parameters (substrate concentration, transfection amount) must be adjusted, which can save reagents in the long run. Overall, the results are of very good quality and reproducible. The control of the plate reader is intuitive, but the interface could be improved by making the error messages more understandable. The company's after-sales service is good and responses are fast."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2022
Organization: Aragen Life Sciences pvt ltd
Always trustworthy results, useful in other applications too
Application Area:Protein Estimation
"For most of the time i load protein in SDS page gel depending upon the estimation by BCA, assessed by Tecan Spark and i always gets almost same intensity of control band"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Johns Hopkins Medicine
A must to have equipment in the lab
Application Area:Fluorescence polarization, Kinetics
"Easy to use and can achieve high quality and reproducible results."
Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: Seoul National University
Can't live without it.
Application Area:DNA or RNA quantification, protein quantification, enzyme assay, cell viability assay, UV-Vis...
"It's a multimode microplate reader which means you can do various experiments with it. Many kinds of 96-well plates can be used but NanoQuant plates are especially useful when you measure fluorescence intensity with small volumes of 2 uL. You can also make methods for automated enzyme assays. Here's what I usually do with it: Bradford assay for protein quantification, small volume DNA or RNA quantification with NanoQuant plate, quantification of fluorescence-labeled small molecule, WST-1 assay (cytotoxicity assay, enzyme assays."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2020
Organization: ActivX Biosciences
it is handy to have in the lab.
Application Area:Plate reading for ELISA and various assays, cell confluency measurement and recording
"The plate reader is easy to use and straight forward. Support usually come in pretty fast too."
Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2019
Organization: Case Western Reserve University
Great for protein assays
Application Area:Protein aggregation kinetics and protein phase separation
"I have used the Tecan Spark plate reader for one year now. It is a very robust, easy-to-use instrument. When it comes to protein aggregation kinetics, life becomes so much easier with this instrument, without worrying about reproducibility. Plus, we can monitor continuously, even at physiological temperature."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2018
Organization: Rexgenero
Tecan Spark 10M together with Magellan are properly designed.
Application Area:Biomedicine. ELISA assays
"I think Tecan Spark 10M and Magellan are very user friendly in terms of software. The main advantage for me is the option to buy a GMP-accomplished version. It makes life much easier to researchers to track all the ELISA results for further audits and commercial approvals."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of Cyprus
In summary, this is a very high-quality instrument, with some basic limitations
Application Area:Drug HT Screening
"The reader has specific qualities: very high sensitivity (quality optics, combination of monochromator and filters), combines modules like injector and incubator cassette for realt-time long assays in live cells, its easy-to-use, it has a friendly interface control software and is very reliable (very rarely it pops out messages of error etc). Tecan provides a very high-quality after-sales care, with online service (via chat) and quick email responses. They also provide customisation of their responses to particular assay-specific problems. One of the disadvantages of the software used in Tecan Spark 20M, is that it doesn't give you a calculation of the time-to-end of your assay screening after you've programmed the detection actions to be done. Another limitation is that the reader cannot do a BRET assay. Finally, the additional analytical software that can work with this reader (Magellan) is very very complicated and comprehensive when compared to the control-software, but the control-software has zero capacity for analysis (it just produces raw data in excel format)."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2018
Organization: X-Chem Inc
Able to utilise instrument for a variety of assays e.g HTRF, AlphaScreen, FP
Application Area:Protein Biochemistry
"The instrument is easy to use. I especially love the z height function, it greatly improves sensitivity."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: ETH Zurich
Powerful, versatile and easy to use
Application Area:Cell lines physiology
"The system now after update of the software became an essential tool in the lab!"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: EYOWN TECHNOLOGIES S.L.
User friendly application with optimal results
Application Area:Drug optimization
"The SPARK instrument has been the best reader for analyzing our samples, proceeded from being candidates for new drugs. TECAN support in Spain has been quietly involved in optimizing the software application to adapt it for our necessities. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: CSK food enrichment b.v.
Works like a charm!
Application Area:Microbiological growth test
"The Tecan Spark 10M is very sensitive in its fluorescence range and works like a charm."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2010
Organization: University of Leeds
Great performance
Application Area:Fluorescence applications
"Easy to use instrument for a large number of different applications"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Hoffmann-La Roche AG
Great instrument we use as an equivalent to our TECAN M1000pro
Application Area:analysis of biologics by fluorescence, absorbance, etc.
"The machine produces good results as expected. Good value for money. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2006
Organization: Novo Nordisk A/S
Very versatile workhorse.
Application Area:Quantitative analysis of biomarkers
"Very easy to use. Especially the setup of new measurement technologies is very fast done as it is very intuitive. I do also like the possibility of running absorbance or fluorescence scans."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University Hospital Dusseldorf, Germany
Absolute must-have for our applications - would buy it again.
Application Area:Drug testing
"Works well. Highly reproducible results with complete Tecan-based drug screening pipeline. Immediate and thorough support if any problems occur."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Aspen Pharma
Ideal for fast reproducible absorbance measurements
Application Area:Measuring absorbance in EIA determinations
"A device that is easy set up, has an intuitive interface, fast and robust."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of North Texas HSC
Gives accurate results
Application Area:protein estimation, quantification of fluorescent & luminiscence intensity of the cells
"Its very easy to use. One can measure absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence and even RNA & DNA estimation in a single instrument... really awesome."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of California San Diego
Great product for easy and efficient use
Application Area:Analyze luminescence and fluorescence
"The method editor is very convenient and easy to use for creating new protocols. The machine runs very quickly and efficiently. The injectors are easy to implement. If there's a will there's a way, the capabilities seem endless!"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Ucsd
Fast data collection reliable
Application Area:protein binding and cell absorbance assay
"We got a very good training after purchase for using the equipment from our rep, Richard Cavicke. The equipment is running reliably. It's a good purchase."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: California Institute of Technology
I purchased a demo and have received good support from the sales/technical staff.
Application Area:Luminescence, fluorescence, DNA quantification
"Software is easy to use. Follow-up by technical/sales support is good."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Tufts University
Very useful when working properly.
Application Area:protein and DNA quantification assays
"Using the Spark is fast and easy, and the results are dependable - when it is working properly. We have had a few issues with our plate reader that has required service multiple times in the about 2 years we have had it. The problem is always with the same part, the cell counting module. It seems the first few times it was serviced, the issue was not fixed properly. Service requests have always been addressed quickly, although we have needed them more often than I feel we should have. Our instrument actually had to be serviced right away because the issue with the cell counting module was detected during set up."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of Oklahoma
Very good instrument. I will recommend this to other labs.
Application Area:Monitor growth curves, fluorescent probe uptake into whole cells.
"Pros: The product is easy to use. User friendly software and also produce reliable and reproducible results. Cons: The Firmware updates must be done regularly. Errors keep cropping up. The design of taking out the injector out of the unit to prime and put it back and forth for injection is kind of difficult especially when injector is used a lot."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: CEROM
Versatile, robust and good support from Tecan
Application Area:DNA/RNA quantification, FRET assays
"We purchased the Spark a few months ago mainly for DNA/RNA quantification and for FRET assays. There are so many options available when ordering the instrument that it can easily fulfil everyone's needs. The NanoQuant plate is so easy to use and only requires 2 uL to get quick and reliable results. The instrument can also handle any model of microplates. Our Spark is equipped with a monochromator for absorbance and filters for fluorescence assays. Setting up a new method is very simple, data manipulation can be done automatically by the software and exported in different file formats. I would recommend the Spark to any lab looking for a versatile plate reader."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Fox Chase Cancer Center
Awesome product! Highly recommended
Application Area:Analysis of proteins from cell culture samples
"This product is extremely easy to use and reads plates fast. We primarily use it for absorbance and fluorescent measurements from media and lysate samples, but also live cells as well. Works wonderfully for all applications. As for maintenance and product support, the representatives are always available too and are very knowledgeable and helpful. Overall, great product from a great company."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Tufts University
Would recommend a more tested instrument. There seems to be some bugs with this model
Application Area:Biological assays, DNA quantification
"When the instrument is working properly we have high quality results, however since purchasing the instrument we have had multiple issues with the cell counting module, which in turn has caused errors in instrument start up. Software is ease to use and mostly intuitive."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Arcturus Therapeutics
Easy to use and result is reproducible
Application Area:reporter assay and ELISA
"This machine is very easy to use and the result is reproducible"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of Nottingham
Easy to use interface and extensive capabilities
Application Area:Pharmaceutical research
"Great product. The Spark 10M Multimode Microplate Reader has added fast throughput capabilities to our spectroscopy laboratory. The easy to use interface and extensive capabilities make this a much used instrument. Not sure how we got by without it!"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: NIIOS (Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery)
good device, however not precise enough
Application Area:cell culture viability
"The device is quite intuitive in terms of ease of using; this concerns the software as well for data analysis. Hoover, the module for cell counting is not consistent in sample analysis. Multiple consecutive scans give fluctuating results; this means, 3 consecutive scans may provide 3 random cell countings."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of Warwick
Essential piece of equipment for me, will expand its capability when I can afford it.
Application Area:Microbiology (cell growth/reporter assays, metabolite quantification), ELISA.
"Easy to set up and use, very reliable and works almost full-time in my lab (including repeated 18-hour kinetic reads with eating and shaking). I would like to be able to export the graphic output form the dashboard as it seems there is no way to do this other than by taking a screen grab. I got a couple of quite for different machines and the Tecan seemed best value for money. I haven't given full marks for after sales care as I haven't needed to contact Tecan to solve any issues, so I can't comment on how good they are dealing with problems. But they have been in touch to check everything is working."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: University of Nottingham
Great
Application Area:Various applications
"Very easy to use and to set up protocols. Injector system is very helpful though I wish the tubing could be removed easily for better cleaning."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: AmatsiSEPS
This platereader is a very versatile and fast instrument
Application Area:ELISA, protein analysis (UV, FL)
"This platereader is a very versatile instrument and the main reason that we bought the instrument is for the ease, speed and the different applications we can use it for. This machine is of great value for our company, since we can adapt the settings to almost every application we have."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Newcastle University
Very good instrument, easy to use
Application Area:dynamic extracellular pH measurement
"The SPARK plate reader is easy to use and very intuitive. I have been able to set up a new method to measure real time changes in extracellular pH using fluorescent probes. I am able to perform kinetics analysis and with the temperature/CO2 control and humidity cassette, I can do long kinetics over the day. The z-scan function is very helpful for the type f experiments I do. We have had a few problems at the beginning but the engineers came over to have a look at it, sent it back to be fixed and provided us with a replacement demo machine in the meantime."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Glowee
We like it!
Application Area:Bioluminescence measure
"We already had a similar product, so nothing much to add. This machine fulfills what we had in mind. The TeCool option is quite interesting. Yet, we regret that it does not go less than 18 degrees celcius"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: ETH Zurich
Simple to use and very effective but suffered of stability problems
Application Area:Analysis of adherent cancer cell lines growth
"The system had several issues at the beginning and needed to be replaced a couple of times. Now the system is stable and it became a very precious tool for our research in the lab. Without the stability problem, which had a significant impact on our work I would have been completely satisfied with the machine. I still believe the software can be improved."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Norbitec GmbH
Easy handling of the spark makes it fun to work with
Application Area:analyzing total protein content and enzyme activity in cell culture samples
"There is a bit of work to be done to adapt the spark 10M in Terms of z-height and gain to achieve best results, but the after-sales-service was always there to give information on how to solve our problems. Right now we are establishing two methods for two different tests which will be very useful for us in the lab to gain a deeper insight into our cell culture Performance. The surface to set up a method is easily understood and very flexible in terms of adding or reducing the number of samples or blocks to be used in each method."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Uniklinik-freiburg
Experiments became much easier with your product.
Application Area:luciferase, proliferation assay, protein estimation
"Sophisticated and high quality instrument. It is easy to use with several applications possible. Reproducible results obtained."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: InSphero AG
Great reliable device!
Application Area:Analyze absorbance/luminescence/fluorescence based assay endpoint and cell counting
"After-sales care is excellent!! Received a comprehensive training on the magellan software! Spark is convenient, fast, sensitive and easy to use."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Biomillenia
Easy to use, good value
Application Area:Enzyme kinetics
"Easy to use and good value, reproducible results. Instrument is upgradeable post-purchase, so additional functionality can be added as needed."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2017
Organization: Uniklinik-Freiburg
Excellent
Application Area:Enzymatic assays
"This machine is easy to use and intuitive even without any knowledege or introduction to the machine"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2009
Organization: Astrazeneca
It looks cool. We wish it could be faster.
Application Area:Readout of data
"Since we have been using Tecan Safire 2 for many years, we chose the Spark 20M for assay and data consistency. An advantage is its absorbance OD window is quite a lot bigger than similar readers from other manufacturers. A disadvantage is the reading speed is quite slow."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: University of Salzburg
Excellent and innovative product. Highly recommended.
Application Area:Cell-based assays, spectroscopy
"Highly recommended. New functions such as heater and stirred for the dispenser, full atmospheric control, humidity chamber. We were able to automatically record metabolic processes in live cells up to 72 hrs "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: LAS
Easy to use
Application Area:Cell assay
"Best product - highly flexible to use for different application with reproducible results. High end instrument once you talk about kinetics based assay. "
Status:
Expert ReviewerMember since: 2015
Organization: Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd
Best product in 2015
Application Area:For cell-based assays and DNA quantification
"Very useful machine, can do multiple applications, very fast and convenient to use"
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2010
Organization: University of Leeds
Very versatile instrument providing reliable results!
Application Area:Analyze endpoint assays using absorbance and fluorescence
"Easy to use instrument for many different applications."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2015
Organization: SIRION Biotech GmbH
Application Area:Review of Cell Counting module
"Excellent cell counting algorithm suitable for a broad spectrum of cell types. Highly reliable cell detection when compared side by side with manual cell counting in a Neubauer chamber. Even resolution of small cell clusters does not pose a problem. Easy, very intuitive handling without complex adjustment of the instrument guarantees reliable and experimenter-independent results. The minimum number of cells required to obtain reliable results is as low as that needed for manual counting in a Neubauer chamber. In summary, among the well-established devices for automated cell counting which were all tested in our labs the Tecan Spark 10M possesses the best automated cell detection algorithm which in our opinion is currently available on the market."
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2015
Organization: University of Salzburg
Application Area:Spectroscopic analysis of novel dyes, cell based assays, bacterial growth curves, cell counting...
"The new Tecan Spark 10M is the logical and consistent further development of the successful Infinite reader series. I appreciate the option to combine the high sensitivity of a filter with the flexibility of the monochromator measurement. As all relevant features for environmental control are now fully integrated into the reader and the software, I am convinced the Spark will become a very valuable tool for analysis of biological processes. The new cell counting function has proven rapid, precise and very helpful in my laboratory and has fully replaced the conventional counter. "
Status:
ReviewerMember since: 2015
Organization: Institute of Physiology, Paracelsus Medical University
Application Area:Various cell-based microplate assays, ABS/FI/LUMI-based quantifications
"This instrument has straight-forward and intuitive handling and programming, as well as a great range of applications/measurement modes. The cell counting module achieves the step up from the microplate reader towards automated imaging. Similar to the previous software versions (iControl), the full range of functions are easy-to-use by the software's clear modular programming design. Additional features including gas and temperature control, lid handling, dual injection and, evaporation protection allows for flexible and versatile experimental design of cell-based applications."
Increase your productivity for advanced research and drug discovery with Spark, the first multimode microplate reader with integrated cooling. This freely configurable system gives researchers access to new techniques and features designed to enhance and streamline biochemical and cell-based workflows.
The Spark multimode microplate reader provides tailor-made solutions to suit virtually any drug discovery or advanced life sciences research application. Developed with cell-based assays in mind, it offers a host of software and hardware features, including a unique Te-Cool™ cooling module that delivers total temperature control, even below ambient.
At the heart of the instrument are Spark’s unique Fusion Optics, which combine the flexibility of monochromators with the sensitivity of filters. Designed to improve sensitivity and increase throughput, this set-up allows on-the-fly measurements, increasing productivity without compromising on data quality. This option features the latest generation QuadX Monochromators™ and dichroic mirrors which, combined with variable bandwidth selection and full wavelength flexibility, provide exceptional measurement performance and speed. This is complemented by a patent-pending High Speed Monochromator, which allows complete absorbance scans – from 200 to 1,000 nm – in under five seconds; the speed of a diode array is combined with the precision and flexibility of a monochromator, offering wide-ranging and detailed spectra with unsurpassed wavelength accuracy for rapid DNA and protein quantification.
Reliable results are dependent on a stable temperature. For most readers, the specified minimum temperature inside the measurement chamber is defined as a few degrees above ambient. This can vary significantly depending on the time of year and location, affecting your results. Temperature gradients can also occur across a microplate with many readers, leading to poor precision and variability. Spark’s innovative Te-Cool cooling module provides complete temperature control between 18 and 42 °C allowing you to maintain your specified temperature for long periods of time, for accurate and reliable results.
The Te-Cool cooling module complements Spark’s range of advanced features – including precise regulation of environmental conditions, built-in cell counting and viability assessment, and automated imaging and confluence measurements – designed to simplify your protocols and enable long-term, walkaway experiments. Productivity and reproducibility are further improved by the addition of a patented Humidity Cassette to provide evaporation protection for any SLAS-format microplate, with automated lid handling to precisely balance gas exchange and minimize the risk of contamination. These new options – combined with the ability to read up to 1,536-well microplates – ensure there is a Spark configuration to increase the productivity of your lab, both today and in the future.
The Spark multimode microplate reader offers walkaway:
Please note that Spark is for research use only.