Figure 3: Principle of Optimiser™ operation – initial well loading with reagent serves to load microchannel. Once a well is empty and microchannel filled, capillary forces retain fluid in the microchannel for an incubation step. Addition of subsequent reagents relieves capillary forces causing flushing of initial reagent into an absorbent pad beneath the plate (shown on the side in the figure for clarity). Once the well is again empty, capillary forces induce another incubation step.