Description:

Dynatech’s MRX ushered in affordable, computer-controlled ELISA reading at a time when plate spectrophotometers were still bulky and slow. A sealed 12-channel photometer scans a 96-well plate in under four seconds (single-wavelength) or six seconds (dual-wavelength), using user-swappable interference filters that cover 405 – 850 nm. Ten-nanometre bandwidth optics provide a ±2 nm center-wavelength accuracy, while precision down to 0.2 % CV across the plate keeps calibration curves tight. The 75 W tungsten-halogen lamp is field-replaceable and rides behind a shutter that extends lamp life between runs. Built-in kinetics, agglutination and temperature-control options interface through RS-232 or Centronics, and the two-line LCD plus 21-key membrane keypad allow stand-alone operation or remote control by Dynex Revelation software. A beefy 500 VA universal-input power supply and all-metal chassis help the 27 lb unit survive heavy clinical‐lab duty.

Economic Advantage:

The MRX’s claim to fame was speed-per-dollar. Earlier dual-beam readers cost two to three times more yet still took 20–30 s to image a plate. By slashing read times to <6 s and eliminating the need for external filter wheels or pre-warmed lamp banks, the MRX effectively doubled daily throughput without extra staffing. Its universal voltage input let distributors stock a single SKU worldwide, cutting inventory costs, and the simple tungsten lamp spared users from expensive xenon flash bulbs. Together these factors made high-volume ELISA feasible for smaller reference labs in the 1990s.