Agilent BioTek washers and dispensers automate the wash and reagent-addition steps behind ELISA, cell-based, and bead-based assays, processing plate formats from 96- to 1,536-well with consistent, non-contact liquid handling. Shared technologies — Dual-Action manifolds, Ultrasonic Advantage self-cleaning, and cell-friendly angled dispensing — carry across the range, from compact single-function washers to combined wash-and-dispense platforms built for full automation.
One dependable wash-and-dispense platform, built to eliminate manifold failure
Every BioTek washer and dispenser is engineered around the same core promise — consistent, non-contact liquid handling that protects your cells and your assay, with self-maintaining hardware that keeps running.
Dual-Action Manifold
Independent control and positioning of the aspirate and dispense sections of the manifold allows optimized washing across cell types, biomagnetic protocols, and plate densities from 96- to 1536-well.
Ultrasonic Advantage
A built-in ultrasonic bath and automated cleaning program dislodges and aspirates salt crystal and protein buildup in the manifold tubes automatically — the single largest cause of washer clogging and assay failure, eliminated without manual intervention.
Non-contact, cell-friendly dispensing
Angled dispense tubes, adjustable aspiration/dispense rates, and x-/y-axis positioning let reagents, media, and cells flow gently down the well sides, keeping monolayers and 2D/3D structures intact through multi-step protocols.
Automation-Ready Design
Left- and right-side plate access on select models allows seamless integration with Agilent BioStack, BenchCel, and third-party robotic arms for higher-throughput, walk-away workflows.
Compare BioTek's washer and dispenser portfolio side by side to find the ideal liquid handling solution for your laboratory. Whether you need routine ELISA washing, biomagnetic bead processing, deep-well plate handling, or high-throughput wash-and-dispense automation, each system is designed to deliver reliable, precise, and efficient microplate processing.
| Feature / Instrument | 406 FX | MultiFlo FX | 405 TS | 50 TS | ELx405 Select | EL406 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Format | 96–1,536 | Dispense 6–1,536 / Wash 6–384 | 96/384 | 24/96/384* | 96/384 Deep Well | 96/384/1,536 |
| Reagent Dispensers | Up to 6 | 1–4 reagents, Parallel + RAD* | - | - | - | 3 |
| Washing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bead / Biomagnetic Support | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vacuum Filtration | - | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ultrasonic Advantage Self-Clean | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automation / Robotic Integration | ✓ (Left & Right Side; BenchCel compatible) | ✓ BenchCel compatible* | ✓ BenchCel compatible* | - | ✓ BenchCel compatible* | - |
| Typical Use Case | High-throughput multi-reagent workflows | 2D/3D culture & normalization | Cell, bead & ELISA washing | Entry-level ELISA | Deep well & plasmid preparation | All-in-one wash & dispense |
Used by leading institutions driving scientific progress across India and globally.
A microplate washer dispenses and aspirates liquid from wells during washing steps in assays such as ELISA and cell-based assays. A microplate dispenser adds reagents without aspiration. Combination systems, such as the Agilent BioTek 406 FX and MultiFlo FX, perform both functions in one instrument.
Depending on the model, Agilent BioTek washers and dispensers support plate formats from 6-well to 1,536-well, enabling applications from routine laboratory work to high-throughput screening.
Compatible magnetic plate adapters hold magnetic beads securely in place during washing, allowing efficient removal of wash buffer while minimizing bead loss in both 96- and 384-well formats.
Independent control of dispense and aspiration heights, positions, and flow rates enables gentle washing of fragile cell mono layers while maintaining efficient reagent removal and protecting cell integrity.
The 406 FX and 405 TS feature Ultrasonic Advantage tech- logy, which automatically removes protein and salt buildup from dispense and aspirate tubes to reduce clogging and maintenance.
The 405 TS includes Verify technology, which automatically detects clogged dispense or aspiration tubes to ensure consistent washing performance across every well.
Combination systems reduce bench space, simplify workflows, and automate both washing and reagent dispensing in a single instrument, improving laboratory efficiency and throughput.
The ELx405 Select Deep Well washer supports both standard-height and deep-well 96- and 384-well plates, including magnetic bead applications.
Most models wash complete 96-well plates simultaneously, while selected systems such as the 50 TS and MultiFlo FX also support strip-mode washing for individual columns.
Depending on the model, Agilent BioTek washers can automatically switch between three or four wash buffers, simplifying complex assay protocols.
BioStack microplate stackers and BenchCel robotic handlers automate plate movement between washers, dispensers, readers, and imagers for high-throughput workflows.
Agilent BioTek washers use non-pressurized dispensing systems, allowing standard laboratory containers to be used for wash buffer supply.
Waste can be collected in containers of up to 20 L or connected directly to a laboratory drain using the Agilent BioTek direct drain system.
The 406 FX and MultiFlo FX use gentle peristaltic pumps that dispense live cells with minimal shear stress, helping preserve cell viability.
The MultiFlo FX Automated Media Exchange (AMX) module removes spent media and dispenses fresh media automatically while protecting adherent cells.
The MultiFlo FX Random Access Dispense (RAD) module dispenses reagents into user-defined individual wells using custom plate maps for flexible assay workflows.
Syringe pumps provide high dispensing precision and are ideal for small-volume applications. Peristaltic pumps offer a wider dispensing range, conserve reagents through backflushing, and gently handle live cells. The MultiFlo FX can combine both pump types for maximum workflow flexibility.
Medispec India is the authorized channel partner of Agilent laboratory equipment, providing local sales, installation, certification, and service support.