ELISA test automation

From coating plates to final reads, the Trilobot handles the incubations, washes, and reagent treatments that make ELISA one of the most hands-intensive assays on the bench.

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ELISA assay automation in Trilobots

ELISA protocols vary widely—some run in a couple of hours, others stretch to 12 hours or overnight with multiple incubation and wash cycles. That variability is exactly why manual execution is so hard to get right consistently. The Trilobot handles the full sequence of reagent additions, incubations, and wash cycles on deck, so your samples get prepped with minimal variability and no babysitting, regardless of how long the protocol runs.

A diagram showing how Trilobio automates ELISA Test workflows.

Start small and automate at your own pace

We get it—you may not need a full automation buildout on day one. Start with a single Trilobot, prove out your ELISA workflow, and expand when your throughput demands it—without rebuilding your protocol or your setup from scratch.

One Trilobot Three Trilobots Six Trilobots
Best for Labs getting into automation for the first time Labs seeking high walkaway time and increased throughput Labs optimizing for high-throughput operations
What it automates ~80% of your ELISA workflow ~95% of your ELISA workflow ~95% of your ELISA workflow
Integrated equipment N/A 1 frame with a plate reader, on-deck temperature, or shaking units 1-2 frames with multiple instruments, on-deck temperature, or shaking units
Throughput 384+ samples/day 1500+ samples/day 3000+ samples/day
Walkaway time* 4 hours 5 hours 5 hours
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*Based on a 5-hour workflow

At $25k/year, the Trilobot pays for itself

Traditional lab automation systems can run into six figures. Learn how you can automate ELISA testing in your lab at a fraction of the cost.

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What is an ELISA assay?

An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a plate-based technique used to detect and quantify proteins, antibodies, hormones, and other biomolecules in a sample. It works by binding a target molecule to a plate surface, then using an enzyme-linked antibody to produce a measurable signal—typically a color change—proportional to the amount of target present. ELISA is a workhorse across immunology, diagnostics, drug development, and basic research, prized for its sensitivity and its ability to run at scale across 96- or 384-well plates.

Challenges

Challenges of performing a manual ELISA test

Equipment Babysitting

Multi-step prep requires constant attention across timed incubations, reagent additions, and plate transfers, keeping a technician tethered to the bench for most of the run.

High Error Rate

Even small volume errors can skew data, introduce artifacts, or invalidate samples.

Opportunity Cost

Sample prep isn’t where the innovation happens, but it's often where scientists spend their time.

Low Throughput

Preparing samples manually can consume an entire day of technician time.

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Waiting Between Steps

Between timed incubations, washes, and spin steps, there's plenty of downtime—but you still can't leave the bench. You're present for the whole run, productive for only part of it.

benefits

Benefits of moving to an automated ELISA system

End-to-End on One Platform

More of your workflow runs on one platform, so you spend less time managing instrument handoffs and more time on the science.

Flexible by Design

Swap tools, scale volumes, change formats—the Trilobot adapts to your workflow, not the other way around.

Throughput That Keeps Up

 As capacity needs grow, Trilobot scales with them without the prep becoming the bottleneck.

Starts at $25k/year

Full lab automation starting at $25k/year—less than most labs spend on a single liquid handler.

Ready to automate ELISA testing in your lab?

Tell us about your ELISA testing workflow, and we'll show you exactly how the Trilobot fits in.
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Close-up of a black mechanical robotic arm component against a dark background.

Frequently asked
questions

Explore how ELISA test automation works, what makes it different with the Trilobot, and how Trilobio transforms everyday biology workflows.

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What is the ELISA test used for?
Is ELISA or PCR better?
What are the 4 types of ELISA?
Does Trilobio automate other affinity assays?
Can you work with our specific kit?