Purchasing Guide: Spectroscopy

Spectrophotometers/spectrometers help determine the chemical makeup of a solution or a concentration of a known substance in a solution, such as DNA. These instruments measure the intensity of visible, UV, or infrared light that passes through a solution. When purchasing a spectrophotometer, consider the detection range you require for your sample type and look for instruments that are sensitive, accurate, and consistent. For a list of spectrophotometer manufacturers, see our online directory: LabManager.com/spectrophotometer-manufacturers

6 Questions to Ask When Buying a Spectroscopy Instrument:

What types of samples will you be measuring and what range of wavelengths will you require for those samples?
What are the detection limits of the instrument?
Do you need an instrument that can analyze multiple samples at a time?
How long does it take to measure each sample?
Do you need a double-beam instrument to increase your efficiency?
Is your sample quantity limited? If so, a microvolume spectrophotometer may suit your needs best.

Cuvettes or Microplates?

Many spectrophotometers only support cuvettes while plate readers read microplates. However, some instruments can accept both. If you have diverse spectroscopy needs and samples that require different mediums, consider a combination instrument that can analyze cuvettes and plates.

How to Make a Calibration Curve

Calibration curves are used in a broad range of fields to calculate the limit of detection, the limit of quantitation, and determine the concentration of an unknown sample. Learn how to make a calibration curve at LabManager.com/calibration-curve