Biopolymeric array scanners capable of automatic scale factor selection for a plurality of different dyes, and methods for making and using the same

Abstract

Biopolymeric array scanners that are capable of automatically selecting a dye specific scale factor to employ for a plurality of different dyes, as wells as methods for making and using the same, are provided. In many embodiments, the actual dye specific scale factor automatically selected by the scanner is one that is equal to a preset 'master' scale factor, so that the scanner reads any supported dye using the same constant scale factor. The dye specific scale factor selection is typically made by reference to a collection of nominal scale factors for each member of the plurality of dyes. In using the subject scanners, a user simply inputs the one or more dyes being used in a given array assay, and the scanner automatically reads the array using an automatically chosen dye specific scale factor for the selected dyes. Also provided are methods of obtaining collections of nominal scale factors and computer readable mediums comprising the same. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including both genomics and proteomics applications.