The most recent report by PhorTech International provides a fresh look at the current state of the microplate reader market, last measured in our 2002 report by the same title. It focuses on the North American market for microplate readers and automated process instrumentation with annual sales this year projected to be more than $150 million. The analysis is based upon more than 420 responses to an in-depth, web-based survey, conducted in June 2008.

A wide cross-section of life science researchers from a variety of disciplines was surveyed. On average, respondents had more than 12 years of experience with microplate technology, and represented close to 300 different organizations. The majority of respondents answered for their entire laboratory, so the sample as a whole represents the microplate usage of nearly 1,900 randomly selected current users of microplate readers and associated instruments.

Unit and dollar market shares for major manufacturers of readers purchased in the last three years identifies the market leader, but also shows four companies competing for second place in the largest sector, multiple mode microplate readers. Shares for another segment of this market, readers with absorbance detection only, reveals the top two companies followed by multiple relatively minor players. The third much smaller segment representing readers with dedicated luminescent detection has a unique mix of major players. The position of major companies amongst researchers in the industrial sector and non-industrial sector is compared. This data shows recent changes in the growth trends noted in earlier surveys.

Through detailed analysis of the over 30,000 plates run on a monthly basis, the usage of various formats of microplates (96-well, 384-well and 1536-well plates) is presented along with modes of detection, including newer technologies such as AlphaScreen, as well as the more traditional modes. From respondents’ use of the seven detection modes, user population sizes and estimates of the annual throughput of microplates is presented. Here, and throughout the report, the responses from industrial and non-industrial researchers are compared.

Respondents were also questioned in detail about their current level of microplate automation, as can be seen in the screen captures from the survey questionnaire shown below. In order to properly understand respondents' level of automation in their microplate workflow, each was asked to indicate which process steps they had already automated.

 In addition, respondents were asked about their future purchase plans regarding automation and to describe the instruments and manufacturers they were considering adopting.

The report is packed with hundreds of verbatim comments, providing manufacturers with a wealth of direct feedback regarding the original reason for selecting a specific brand of reader, the rationale for current satisfaction or dissatisfaction with that instrument, as well as suggestions for improvements.

Several new questions have been introduced at clients' request. For example, respondents’ likelihood to recommend filter-based versus monochromator-based wavelength selection is now measured, along with the reasoning behind the respondent's stated preference.

This report is undoubtedly the most comprehensive analysis of the current market for microplate readers or associated automated process instrumentation in North America and has already been purchased by 5 companies determined to strengthen their position in this challenging market. Enhanced by over 260 graphs and tables, this study provides a penetrating analysis of the current methodology and future expectations. This report should be considered essential reading for anyone seriously intending to succeed in this competitive area.

The 66 companies mentioned in the report are identified in the following table.

PhorTech International was established in 1989 to provide marketing research and technology assessment to companies participating in the life science research industry. There is a core competence in bioseparations and electrophoretic technologies, but the company's expertise has widened over the years to include molecular biology, cell biology, proteomics, genomics, and both microarray and microplate technologies.

The company conducts a variety of multi client and custom market research projects using focus groups, computer aided telephone interviews, adaptive and choice-based conjoint analysis, traditional mailed surveys, and interactive web surveys to a panel of 50,000+ life science researchers. Projects involve new product concept testing, market size and share determinations, advertising research, and customer satisfaction studies.