ANSI/SLAS Microplate Standards

SLAS sets standards for microplate development through its SLAS Microplate Standards Advisory Committee, which is responsible for the maintenance of the five standards below. As directed by American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the committee is comprised of a balanced representation of manufacturers of microplates, manufacturers of instruments that utilize microplates, industrial and academic users of microplates and those with a general interest but do not fit in the previous categories.

These five standards were reaffirmed by the committee in compliance with the ANSI process and requirements, June 2017, and will be reaffirmed in early 2021.

ANSI SLAS 1-2004 (R2012): Footprint Dimensions
last updated January 9, 2004

ANSI SLAS 2-2004 (R2012): Height Dimensions
last updated January 9, 2004

ANSI SLAS 3-2004 (R2012): Bottom Outside Flange Dimensions
last updated January 9, 2004

ANSI SLAS 4-2004 (R2012): Well Positions
last updated January 9, 2004

ANSI SLAS 6-2012: Well Bottom Elevation
last updated April 09, 2009

Referring to the ANSI/SLAS Microplate Standards in an advertisement, product release or abstract?

Because SLAS is not a standardizing organization but a society that provides a working group the ability and platform to standardize along with ANSI, the standards must be referenced as follows:

  • ANSI/SLAS 1-2004: Microplates — Footprint Dimensions
  • ANSI/SLAS 2-2004: Microplates — Height Dimensions
  • ANSI/SLAS 3-2004: Microplates — Bottom Outside Flange Dimensions
  • ANSI/SLAS 4-2004: Microplates — Well Positions
  • ANSI/SLAS 6-2012: Microplates — Well Bottom Elevation (Either singularly, or as a whole)

Note that in dire circumstances where spacing is a major issue, the only other verbiage is allowed: Meets the Standards ANSI/SLAS 1-2004 through ANSI/SLAS 4-2004.