# Plate Reader Assay Onboarding

**URL:** https://cloud.ginkgo.bio/protocols/plate-reader-assay-onboarding
**Service terms:** https://cloud.ginkgo.bio/terms/plate-reader-assay-onboarding
**Reviewed:** 2026-09-30
**Catalog estimate:** $399/assay; up to 4 weeks; Ginkgo Certified

## Scope

Transfers an existing assay through one development iteration and one qualification
run. The catalog mentions absorbance and luminescence, but the detailed workflow
and terms restrict the service to a single fluorescence readout. Confirm support
for the requested mode before ordering.

- 96-well format; Mix -> Incubate -> Read with one incubation condition.
- One varied factor, 2-6 levels, at least two replicates per level.
- Endpoint or kinetics up to one hour; no true time-zero measurement or inline injection.

## Input and output

Download the current intake workbook from the protocol page. Complete its
Conditions, Reaction Components, and Varied Levels tabs with optics, gain strategy,
volumes, buffer, incubation, reagent sources, standards, controls, and acceptance
criteria. Confirm reader compatibility and procurement lead time.

Ginkgo supplies raw RFU CSV data, per-level precision, control metrics, and execution
QC. The customer determines whether the assay meets its scientific acceptance
criteria; Ginkgo's execution QC is not a biological pass/fail certification.