Next-gen ProtoCOL 3 HD colony counter

The ProtoCOL 3 is an automated colony counter designed for many applications such as counting pour plates, measuring inhibition zone sizes, recognising bacteria on chromogenic media and much more.

Overview

The ProtoCOL 3 is the next-generation instrument for a variety of applications, such as spiral plates, OPKA (opsonophagocytic killing assay), SBA (serum bactericidal assay), Multi-sector, Multi-well, SRD (single radial immunodiffusion), and Ames.

It can also be used for membranes, PETRIFILM™ plates, CompactDry™ plates, and colony counting. The new design allows plates with a maximum diameter of 150 mm to be instantly read usign our easy-to-use ProtoCOL 3 software.

ProtoCOL 3, which has a wide variety of applications, including the ability to measure zones to within +/- 0.5 mm with and count colonies as small as 43 microns.

The system has a one-of-a-kind three-channel LED lighting system designed to provide excellent illumination for all sample types. High-resolution, color images captured with a 1.4 megapixel scientific-grade camera allow even the tiniest colony to be seen and counted, while zone measurements are quick, precise, and repeatable.

The ProtoCOL 3 HD features an ultra-HD 5-megapixel camera that records high-quality images which are ideal for displaying in reports. The system has a mounted touchscreen processor for convenient control, and the user-friendly software generates accurate results. Alternatively, the ProtoCOL 3 can now be connected to a new or existing stand-alone desktop or laptop computer by USB.

ProtoCOL 3 has colony counting and inhibition zone measurement capabilities. To broaden its uses, the software can be expanded with low-cost modules for Spiral, OPKA, SBA, Multi-sector, Multi-well, Ames, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (eAST). The results can be immediately transmitted to a  LIMS or reports created straight away in PDF, Excel, or CSV format.

The technology can also be utilized with 1D or 2D barcode scanners to restrict transcription errors. All data collected is GLP/GMP/21 CFR Part 11 compliant, with a complete audit trail, and may be utilized to create professional customisable reports. Each system comes with validation plates for colony counting and zone measurements. Additional application-specific validation plates are available upon request.

Why Buy This Product?

• High Throughput
  • ProtoCOL 3 can measure thousands of colonies on a single plate within seconds. The ProtoCOL 3 is, therefore, ideal for high-throughput applications. All counting and measurement activities are automated, with data transmitted quickly to the secure SQL database.
• Colour Imaging
  • The system's unique LED lighting produces full-color visuals. The colour categorization function of the ProtoCOL 3 software allows colonies of different colours to be counted independently on the same plate. Using both light and dark backgrounds the ProtoCOL 3 is capable of counting on a large array of agars.
• Wide Range of Applications
  • The system can be modified to accommodate a wide variety of plate types. Some examples include pour plates, spiral plates, multi-well, SBA, OPKA, Ames, inhibition zones, AST, and SRID plates. The conventional equipment can handle plates up to 150 mm in size, and larger plates can be handled via our ProcScan device.
• Extensive Report Generation
  • One of the primary advantages of an automated system is that reports can be created on the device. These reports are customisable and ProtoCOL 3 will generate reports that can be exported in Excel, PDF, or CSV format with the press of a button.
• Traceability
  • All data created has a complete audit trail. This includes any manual edits made to the plate, users logins, user permission changes, and much more.
  • The device is suitable for use in 21 Part 11 CFR compliant laboratories and has 3 customisable user permission tiers that you can tailor to your required setup. 
• Sensitivity
  • ProtoCOL 3 employs a very sensitive 1.4 or 5 megapixel camera with a high resolution. Colonies as tiny as 43 microns can be detected, and zones can be precisely defined to an accuracy of +/-0.5 mm. 

Specifications

Source: Synoptics Ltd

Software

• The ProtoCOL 3 software includes a wide range of capabilities and can be used for a variety of applications. Colony counting and zone measuring are standard on the ProtoCOL 3
• Automatic imaging functions guarantee perfect images without the need to optimize contrast and sensitivity
• Automatic separation of touching colonies is included
• The advanced grid elimination capability is offered for filters and PETRIFILM™ plates
• Colonies can be marked with a variety of forms, such as a cross, circle, square, or triangle, for clear in a variety of colours for exact visualization
• A sophisticated zone exclusion tool is offered to exclude specific areas
• Full editing options are offered, such as adding or removing colonies and manually measuring zones
• A built-in database allows for the exchange of results across people, laboratories, and even buildings
• All results are automatically archived and reports can be printed
• All results are fully traceable and have an audit trail
• Compliant with the requirements of 21 CFR Part 11

Applications

Wide range of applications

The system can be modified to accommodate a wide variety of plate types. This includes:

• 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)
• Chromogenic ID
• Multi-sector
• MIC strips
• Dilution series 

Choosing & purchasing

Choose the model

ProtoCOL 3 Plus (with all-in-one PC)

ProtoCOL 3 Plus is a fully configured system with a top-mounted ‘all-in-one’ touchscreen PC. The all-in-one PC has the software pre-installed for simpler installations. Spare USB ports for use with memory sticks or other USB-driven devices like bar code readers and scanners are easily accessible on the side of the unit.

ProtoCOL 3 (for use with stand-alone PC)

ProtoCOL 3 is also available without a P.C, enabling the user to easily connect the device to a new or existing PC. The ProtoCOL 3 software comes with detailed installation instructions for setup and calibration.

With their own PC, the user can choose the processor and monitor they want and update or add extra hardware as needed. They can even select an operating system of their choice. 

ProtoCOL 3 colony counting system. Image Credit: Synoptics Ltd

ProtoCOL 3 HD colony counting system - inside view. Image Credit: Synoptics Ltd

ProtoCOL 3. Video Credit: Synoptics Ltd