Comparison of Real-time Signals using White or Clear Microplates Application Note · qTOWER3

Introduction

For quantitative PCR in 96 well format a variety of microplates provided by different suppliers are available. The most important difference in those plates is their color, as they are available in standard clear, opaque black and white. Although clear plates are easier to use due to the better visibility of liquids through the well-walls and black plates give the lowest background readings, white microplates stand out in performance. Clear plates struggle with light-scattering through the plastic which results in loss of intensity. In contrast, white plates reinforce signal-intensities due to reflection of light in the wells which leads to enhanced signal intensity and Ct values for the real-time assays.

When using white microplates, significant differences in signal intensity as well as in shifts of the Ct values can be shown. Hence, white microplates optimize qPCR experiments enormously without effecting cost and handling.