Spark® Multimode Microplate Reader by Tecan

"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)."

"The instrument is easy to use. I especially love the z height function, it greatly improves sensitivity."

"The system now after update of the software became an essential tool in the lab!"

"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. "

"The Tecan Spark 10M is very sensitive in its fluorescence range and works like a charm."

"Easy to use instrument for a large number of different applications"

"The machine produces good results as expected. Good value for money. "

"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."

"Works well. Highly reproducible results with complete Tecan-based drug screening pipeline. Immediate and thorough support if any problems occur."

"A device that is easy set up, has an intuitive interface, fast and robust."

"Its very easy to use. One can measure absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence and even RNA & DNA estimation in a single instrument... really awesome."

"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!"

"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."

"Software is easy to use. Follow-up by technical/sales support is good."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"This machine is very easy to use and the result is reproducible"

"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!"

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"Sophisticated and high quality instrument. It is easy to use with several applications possible. Reproducible results obtained."

"After-sales care is excellent!! Received a comprehensive training on the magellan software! Spark is convenient, fast, sensitive and easy to use."

"Easy to use and good value, reproducible results. Instrument is upgradeable post-purchase, so additional functionality can be added as needed."

"This machine is easy to use and intuitive even without any knowledege or introduction to the machine"

"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."

"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 "

"Best product - highly flexible to use for different application with reproducible results. High end instrument once you talk about kinetics based assay. "

"Very useful machine, can do multiple applications, very fast and convenient to use"

"Easy to use instrument for many different applications."

"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."

"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. "

"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."