Synbiosis - Model ProtoCOL 3 -Automatic Colony Counting and Zone Measuring

ProtoCOL 3 has a unique 3 channel LED lighting system configured for exceptional illumination of all sample types. High definition, colour images taken with a 1.4 mega pixel scientific grade CCD camera ensure that even the smallest colony can be seen and counted, while zone measurements are fast, accurate and reproducible. ProtoCOL 3 HD, the newest addition to the range, has an ultra-HD 5 megapixel camera which captures high definition images and measures zones with >99.9% accuracy, making the ProtoCOL 3 HD a must-have for vaccine potency testing and other laboratories wanting to optimize zone reading accuracy.

The ProtoCOL 3 system is available with a mounted touchscreen processor which enables ease of control while the easy-to-use software produces highly accurate results. Alternatively, the ProtoCOL 3 can now be used with a new or existing stand-alone desktop or laptop computer via USB connection – no additional PCI cards are required.

The ProtoCOL 3 comes inclusive with both colony counting and inhibition zone measuring ability. To extend its range of applications, inexpensive additional modules can be added to the software for Spiral, OPKA, SBA, Multi-sector, Multi-well, Ames and antibiotic susceptibility testing (eAST). Results can be automatically transferred to Excel or a LIMS system. The system can also be used with 1D barcodes. All data generated is GLP/GMP/21 CFR Part 11 compliant with a full audit trail and can be used to produce professional reports. Each system comes complete with 2 validation plates. Additional application-specific validation plates are available on request.

PETRIFILM^TM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.

High throughput
ProtoCOL 3 is typically used when large numbers of plates need to be counted or measured rapidly and accurately. The ProtoCOL 3 is therefore perfect for high throughput applications. All counting and measuring functions are automatic with results instantly sent to the internal reporting system.

Colour imaging
The unique LED lighting in the system gives full colour images. The colour classification feature of the ProtoCOL 3 software allows for an infinite range of colour options on the same plate. A choice of sample holders is included for both light and dark backgrounds, depending on sample type.

Wide range of applications
The system can be configured for a wide range of plate types. These include pour plates, spiral plates, multi-well, SBA, OPKA, Ames, inhibition zones, AST and SRD. Plates up to 150mm can be used on the standard unit, while an optional external scanning device can be added should larger plates need to be processed.

Extensive report generation
One of the major benefits of an automated system is that reports can be generated within the device. ProtoCOL 3 will produce reports that can easily be exported to Excel at the touch of a button.

Traceability
All the data generated has a full audit trail. All report generation is traceable and has an audit ‘lock’. Data is CFR compliant and the system can be connected to a LIMS if required.

Sensitivity
ProtoCOL 3 uses a highly sensitive CCD camera with a high resolution. Colonies as small as 43 microns (0.043mm) can be easily counted and zones can be accurately measured to 0.1mm.

• The ProtoCOL 3 software has an extensive array of features and can cover a wide range of applications. Colony counting and zone measurement are standard on the ProtoCOL 3
• ProtoCOL 3 software is fully WIN7 compatible and is available in a range of different languages
• All functions are accessed from a single window for each step
• Automatic imaging functions ensure perfect images without the need for any optimisation of contrast and sensitivity
• Automatic separation of touching colonies is included
• Advanced grid elimination function is included for filters and Petri film
• Colonies can be marked with choice of shapes, including cross, circle, square or triangle, for clear and precise visualisation
• An advanced polygonal exclusion tool is available to eliminate specific areas
• The system can be ‘trained’ to exclude writing on plates, debris, bubbles or other unwanted features
• Full editing functions for the adding or deleting of colonies and the manual measurement of zones are included
• Colonies as small as 0.043mm can be detected while zones can be measured to 0.01mm accuracy
• A built-in database enables the sharing of results across individuals, laboratories and even facilities
• All results are automatically archived and can be printed
• All results are fully traceable and have an audit trail
• Compliant with the requirements of 21 CFR Part 11

The system can be configured for a wide range of plate types. These include:

• Pour plates
• Spiral plates
• Multi-well
• SBA (serum bactericidal assay)
• OPKA (opsonophagocytic killing assay)
• Ames
• Inhibition zones
• AST (antibiotic susceptibility testing)
• SRD (single radial immunodiffusion)

• Construction
• : Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam
• : Integral CCD camera and lens
• Light shield : 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light
• Camera
• : 1.4m pixel scientific grade CCD camera
•  : USB integral camera with f1.2 lens
• Resolution : For standard 150mm Petri dish, smallest detectable colony is 43 microns
• Imaging : 3 channel capture for colour images
• Lighting
• : Unique 3 channel (red, green, blue) LED lighting (patent pending)
• : Multi-array LED lighting (computer controlled)
• : Lower lighting with upper reflective lighting for all applications
• Measurement modes : Colony counting and zone measurement
• Count modes : Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode
• Software : Win7 compatible
• Database : SQL database stores all data and images
• Dimensions : 450mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w)
• Weight : 20kg