Spectra max plate reader – SOFTmax PRO 4.3 LS
To set up a template:
1. Open SOFTmax PRO 4.3 LS (icon on desktop)
2. File  New
3. Under Plate#1 (grey) drop-down menu, click on template button
 Select wells for standards. Under “Group:” menu, select “Standards”.
Wells are highlighted in blue.
o Denote labels for each BSA concentration (i.e. A, B, C etc) in
“Sample:” box
o type in concentration in “Concentration” box
 Select wells for blanks. Under “Group:” menu, select “Blank”. Wells
remain grey.
 Select wells for unknowns. Under “Group:” menu, select “Unknowns”.
Wells are highlighted in pink.
o Denote labels for each unknown (i.e. B1 a, C2 a, etc) in “Sample:”
box.
 Select wells for unknown dilutions.
o Under “Group:” menu, select “New…”
o In Name: box, type “Unknown dilutions”
o In column format, select “Unknown [Dilutions]”. The “Sample
Descriptor” box should now be checked, and “dilution Factor”
should be the descriptor.
o Wells are highlighted in green.
o Denote labels for each unknown dilution (i.e. B1 b, C2 b) in
“Sample:” box.
o In box that says “Dilution Factor” type in your dilution factor (i.e.
if diluted 1:2, DF is 2)
4. Click “ok” to Confirm your template
5. Under Unknown Dilutions drop-down menu, you need to change the dilution
factor tab equation, such that it will multiply your values by the DF.
 Double-click on “Dilution” column
 Where it says “!Formula”, erase it and type in your dilution factor (i.e. if
diluted 1:2, DF is 2)
6. Make sure SPECTRA max reader is on (switch in back)
 Set temperature to room temp (25C)
 Set wavelength to 562 nm.
7. Insert plate in drawer; close drawer.
8. Press “READ” on machine or on software. Values can be copied and pasted into
Microsoft Excel.
**option: if you do not desire to make a new template, go into:
My Documents  Richa  Default template for BCA protein assay.pda
You can easily change the labels of wells in the template, or add wells, or delete wells by
pressing “Clear” button. Just make sure that when you press “READ” to read your
template, you allow the software to overwrite any old values.
Updated by RK 2.22.11
Updated by RK 2.22.11