In the world of laboratory automation and high-throughput screening, standardization is critical to ensuring compatibility between different equipment and consumables. One of the most widely adopted standards in laboratory plastics manufacturing is the SBS/ANSI footprint, a set of specifications established by the Society for Biomolecular Screening (SBS) (now SLAS) and later incorporated into the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines.
This article explores what the SBS/ANSI footprint is, why it matters in laboratory plastics, and how it enhances efficiency in liquid handling, sample storage, and high-throughput workflows.
What Is the SBS/ANSI Footprint?
The SBS/ANSI footprint refers to a standardized 96 mm × 128 mm plate format used for microplates, deep well plates, and other lab consumables. This standard was developed to ensure that laboratory plastics fit seamlessly into automated liquid handlers, robotic systems, centrifuges, and storage racks.
Key specifications of the SBS/ANSI footprint include:
- Standardized Plate Dimensions: 85.48 mm ± 0.50 mm width and 127.76 mm ± 0.50 mm length.
- Fixed Well Spacing: Ensuring pipette tips, robotic arms, and automated liquid handling systems can accurately access wells.
- Consistent Height Variations: Depending on application needs, plates may have different depths but still conform to the footprint.
Why the SBS/ANSI Footprint Matters for Laboratory Plastics
1. Compatibility with Automated Systems
Modern laboratories rely on robotic liquid handlers, automated storage units, and high-throughput screening instruments. The SBS/ANSI footprint ensures that microplates, reservoirs, and assay plates are universally compatible with these systems, reducing the need for manual adjustments.
2. Standardization Across Manufacturers
Without a universal footprint, laboratories would face interoperability challenges when using plastics from different suppliers. The SBS/ANSI standard allows researchers to mix and match microplates, pipette tips, and other consumables without worrying about fit or performance inconsistencies.
3. Optimized Sample Throughput
Laboratories performing genomic research, drug discovery, or ELISA assays rely on high-throughput workflows. The SBS/ANSI footprint ensures seamless transitions between instruments like PCR machines, centrifuges, and liquid handlers, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
4. Enhanced Storage and Handling
Many laboratory plastics, such as deep well plates for sample storage, must fit into automated freezers, racks, and plate readers. The SBS/ANSI standard ensures that plates stack properly, maximizing storage space and simplifying retrieval.
Applications of SBS/ANSI Footprint in Laboratory Consumables
Laboratory plastics designed with the SBS/ANSI footprint include:
- 96-well and 384-well microplates for high-throughput screening.
- Deep well plates for sample storage and preparation.
- Reservoir plates for automated liquid handling systems.
- PCR plates designed for thermocycler compatibility.
The SBS/ANSI footprint is an essential standard in laboratory plastics manufacturing, ensuring compatibility, efficiency, and automation-ready performance. By adhering to this footprint, manufacturers help laboratories streamline workflows, improve reproducibility, and maximize the capabilities of modern lab automation technologies.
