Has anyone here used the Hidex microplate reader (1 detector)? How has your experience been with this system in terms of

1) Speed of counting 96 well plates. We currently have an old Top count mainly used with filtermats after cell harvesting ( beta count). Our top count has 12 detectors and takes about 20 minutes to count a full 96 well plate.

2) Reliability of results

3) Consumables (can you use Perkin Elmer consumables with this or have to purchase through Hidex?)

4) Ease of repair (Service through the company, service vendor availability etc).

Any additional points in favor of the HIdex besides the obvious cost advantage compared to a Perkin Elmer microbeta 2.

Thanks in advance!!