In the context of a Single-Dose Screening, a reference sample corresponds to the Target in the unbound state. Oftentimes the reference sample is the target alone in the final Buffer (including the corresponding final DMSO concentration). We strongly recommend running reference samples at least in 4-8 wells (evenly distributed over the Plates to account for time-effects) on every plate in single dose screenings.

In Affinity Screening, reference samples are less common because the titration Baseline usually accounts for that, but we suggest adding some wells with target alone to determine if the curves are 100% saturated or non-binders.