The 5 points to consider when choosing an automatic colony counter
As you need to automate process in your laboratory, you are convinced of the benefits of using an automatic colony counter. You are finally going to be able to use your time for other tasks while getting accurate results on your colony count!
Now, before deciding which device to use, what are the keys characteristics that you should have in mind so that your laboratory is equipped with the most adequate device according to your needs?
Quality of the image capture
- Is the light diffused?
- Is the image subject to shadows or reflections that could interfere with its quality?
- Is my Petri plate protected from outside light?
- Are the camera and lens of high definition?
Types of plate read
- Can I read all my plates with the same instrument, or will I have to use different devices?
- Is there a limit to the number of compatible plates in terms of shape or size?
- Can this instrument read plates from different culture media?
- Does it detect colonies regardless of how the plate was plated?
Colony counting
- From what size of colonies does the instrument give me a result?
- What are its limitations in terms of background?
- Can it distinguish colonies when they are overlaid?
- How does it distinguish colors?
- Does the software allow me to classify the colonies by diameter?
Export of results and Audit Trail CFR21
- Does the colony counter software allow me to export the results?
- In what type of file? Will I need .csv files, or PDF files?
- Are images included?
- Can I customize my report with my lab’s logo?
- Does it allow me to comply with the audit trail of the CFR21 part 11 directive and user management?
Halos reading
- What if I need a halo inhibition zone reader? Do I need an additional instrument, or is it feasible with a software upgrade?
- What if I don’t need one now, but my lab is planning to expand in the next 2 years?
And finally, remember to keep in mind the space that the device will occupy, as your lab is probably very busy and need an instrument that will be performant while being as space-saver as it could be.
SphereFlash®, automatic colony counter and zone reader
The SphereFlash® is an Automatic Colony Counter that meets all the requirements for modern microbiology laboratories. It performs colony counting in a simple and reliable way thanks to its world-class software and its patented built-in lighting system.
Accurate and repeatable results thanks to a reflection and shadow-free imaging
The exclusive SphereFlash® system provides a high image acquisition quality, even with the LITE version, thanks to its own illumination system.
Colony counting of different anatomy on complex backgrounds
Thanks to its powerful but intuitive software, the SphereFlash® is the only one to:
- Count colonies up to 0.046 mm,
- Efficiently classify colonies by color
- Classify colonies by diameter.
It efficiently distinguishes between colonies that overlap, or those that are on a complex background, such as the code in the petri plate.
Are your colonies round, irregular, domed or convex? Select the methods adapted to your plate and your colonies!
Captured picture
Processed picture
Wide range of petri plates
Thanks to its magnetic interchangeable adapters, a single device is enough to work on your different size plates (100, 90, 60mm (RODAC), filtration membranes, etc.).
Suitable for plates of different culture media
The SphereFlash® can read plates from a wide range of culture media, such as chromogenic agar, nutrient agar, Mac Conkey agar, blood agar, etc.
Report export and results analysis
Ensure the traceability of your analyses by exporting your reports including images in different formats. Download your PDF reports and statistical reports to ensure traceability or send them to your teams or clients.
A single instrument for all your analyses
As we know that space and budget resources are limited, IUL offers a single instrument occupying little space, that allows you to both count colonies and read antibiograms.
Choose the version of the software that you need: easier, available in an instant, and above all, adaptable according to the activity of your laboratory.
About IUL Instruments, designer and manufacturer of automated solutions for microbiology laboratories based in Barcelona, Spain
IUL has been designing and manufacturing automation solutions for microbiology laboratories since 1987. From the very beginning, IUL has been committed to research and innovation.
IUL also designs, manufactures, and markets lateral flow readers for point-of-care, food, and environment for research and in-vitro diagnostics in the field of human and animal health.
Both fields are gaining more and more interest in recent years, becoming an essential part of the company. Its products are designed and developed to be used on a long-term basis and to reduce resource consumption in a wide range of work environments.
IUL Instruments manufacture all its instruments in Barcelona. As a Research & Development oriented company, most of the are produced through 3D printing, which gives IUL a high flexibility of design, providing the best comfort of use to the users.
In November 2021, IUL has been awarded a price for being an example in the Industry 4.0 in Catalunya, Spain.
Furthermore, IUL’s products are present in more than 100 countries all over the world. Top sellers not only in Europe, its birthplace, but also in the U.S. and Japan. The quality of production and the ideas that IUL products incorporate has garnered IUL worldwide recognition.