Reduction of sample evaporation in small volume microplate luminescence assays.

Luminescence detection has great potential for use in small volume assays for high-throughput applications. However, the need for automated injection of detection reagents dictates an open well format, making small volume luminescence assays very susceptible to sample evaporation effects. Here we describe a technique for reducing evaporation of small sample volumes that uses layering of silicone oil on solution surfaces but still allows the use of automated injection.