Micro Test Plates

Quick Answer: Micro Test Plates are rigid plastic plates moulded with rows of small wells, commonly 96, in which small-volume tests are run side by side. Micro test plates are used for serial dilutions, haemagglutination and other agglutination tests, antibiotic dilution tests and small-scale colour reactions in microbiology, immunology and teaching labs.

Small Wells for Side-by-Side Tests

A micro test plate replaces racks of test tubes with a grid of wells, each holding a fraction of a millilitre. A dilution series set out along a row with a multichannel pipette can be run for many samples at once, and results are read by eye from above or below, or in a plate reader when the wells are flat-bottomed. That is why plates of this kind, often called microtitre plates, became standard in serology and microbiology.

Well shape decides the test. U-bottom (round) wells are used for agglutination tests: red cells or particles that are not agglutinated roll to the bottom and form a tight button, while agglutinated cells settle as an even mat across the well. V-bottom wells concentrate small pellets and are used for cell washing and some haemagglutination work. Flat-bottom wells give a clear optical path for photometric readings.

The well shape, well number and plastic of this listing are not stated in the title. Plates for these tests are usually polystyrene or flexible PVC and are generally single-use. For immunoassays that need a protein-binding surface, the ELISA Plates are the right choice, and for larger volumes per well, the Deep Multi Well Plates.

Specifications

Applications

• Serial doubling dilutions of antisera or antigens for titre tests
• Haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition tests in virology and immunology teaching
• Broth microdilution tests for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics
• Small-scale colour and enzyme reactions in biochemistry practicals

Care & Handling

• Keep plates level and covered with a lid or sealing film during incubation
• Read agglutination patterns against a white background or with a plate-reading mirror
• Treat plates that held blood, serum or cultures as biological waste and autoclave them before disposal
• Store unused plates in their packaging, away from dust and heat

Why Choose LabEquip

Microbiology and immunology departments, veterinary and blood bank training labs and research groups running dilution-based tests are the usual buyers of these plates. LabEquip supplies them in Biology Lab Products; tell us the well shape and quantity through our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between U-bottom and V-bottom wells?

U-bottom wells have a rounded base that shows agglutination patterns clearly, with unagglutinated cells forming a small button. V-bottom wells taper to a point, which concentrates pellets and suits cell washing and some haemagglutination tests.

How do I read a haemagglutination result in the plate?

A compact red button or dot at the bottom of the well means the cells were not agglutinated. A diffuse mat or film covering the well means agglutination occurred. The titre is the highest dilution that still shows agglutination.

Are these plates the same as ELISA plates?

No. ELISA plates have a surface treated to bind proteins and flat bottoms for photometric reading. Test plates for agglutination and dilution work usually have U or V bottoms and do not need a protein-binding surface.

How is a serial dilution done in a plate?

Add diluent to each well in a row, add sample to the first well and mix, then transfer the same volume to the next well and repeat. In a doubling dilution each well holds half the concentration of the one before.

Can the plates be reused?

They are normally single-use. Washing leaves residues and scratches that affect agglutination patterns, and plates that held biological material must be decontaminated and discarded.

What volume does each well hold?

Wells in a standard 96-well plate hold a few hundred microlitres, and tests usually use 25 to 100 microlitres per well. The working volume of this plate should be matched to your method.

Last Updated: September 2026