ProtoCOL 3 is the next generation instrument for colony counting, zone measurements (inhibition and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), membranes, Petri-film and a range of other applications including: spiral plates, OPKA (opsonophagocytic killing assay), SBA (serum bactericidal assay), Multi-sector, Multi-well, SRD (single radial immunodiffusion) and Ames. The new design now enables plates of up to 150mm diameter to be automatically read at the press of a button. Designed for use across a wide range of applications, ProtoCOL 3 will count colonies as small as 43 microns (0.043mm) or measure zones accurately to 0.1mm.

ProtoCOL 3 has a unique LED lighting system configured for exceptional illumination of all sample types. High definition, color images taken with a 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 is available with a mounted touch screen 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 new ProtoCOL 3 comes inclusive with both colony counting and 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, SRD and Ames. Results can be automatically transferred to Excel or a LIMS system. The system can also be used with 1D and 2D barcodes. All data generated is GLP/GMP compliant with a full audit trail and can be used to produce professional reports. Each system comes complete with 2 validation plates.

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 Windows 7 compatible and is available in a range of different languages.

Features:

• 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 0.1mm 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

View the Protocol 3 Video

Protocol 3 Colony Counting Software

Featured Software Module

The revolutionary AST software (measuring antibiotic susceptibility testing easily and rapidly) is designed for use with ProtoCOL 3 automated zone measurement system. The software quickly and simply measure zones around antibiotic discs and then automatically predicts antibiotic resistance from results.

At the touch of a button the results can be automatically compared to data from all the tested organisms that have breakpoint values in the EUCAST database.

The AST software lists which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to, in less than half the time it takes to perform these tasks manually.

The software is GLP compliant and generates zone measurements and plate images which can be transferred and stored in Excel to eliminate keying and data transfer errors, as well as provide a full audit trail and reports.

AST Module Benefits

• Saves hours of time and removes any subjectivity associated with manual zone reading
• Gives automatic comparison with EUCAST breakpoint values
• Displays Expert rules
• Produces rapid, objective interpretation of results
• Gives a guidance for antibiotic treatment options
• Integrates into GLP and GMP environments with full traceability

Why buy this product?

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.

Color imaging

The unique LED lighting in the system gives full color images. The color classification feature of the ProtoCOL 3 software allows for an infinite range of color 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.