Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating an instrument having a tool and a work surface. An exemplary instrument may comprise a support member including a conductive surface. The instrument also may comprise a fluid-transport device including a conductive tube having an open end. A drive mechanism of the instrument may include a motor operable to drive movement of the surface and the tube relative to one another along an axis and into contact with one another. A circuit of the instrument may include a voltage source and the tube. A control module may be configured to calibrate a relationship between the drive mechanism and a position of the tube and/or surface along the axis based on a sensed change in an electrical property of the circuit that occurs when the tube and the surface contact one another.

Abstract: An LED excitation source and module useful for full plate imaging fluorescence instruments as well as methods for calibrating such instruments.