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, 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 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.

Protocol 3 Software

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 0.1mm 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

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 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.

Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam
Integral CCD camera and lens
Mounted all-in-one PC

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

Windows 7 Professional 32 bit edition service pack 1
Intel Core i3-350M CPU @ 2.26GHz
4GB DDR3 RAM
160GB Hard drive
Intel HD Graphics
17" SXGA panel screen with native optimal resolution of 1280 x 1024
4 x hi-speed USB 2.0 ports

Colony counting and zone measurement

Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, color mode, shape mode, size mode

Win7 compatible

ProcScan

ProtoCOL 3 can easily accommodate plates of up to 100 x 100mm. When larger plates are used, simply add the ProcScan scanner which can work with plates of up to 300 x 300mm. Images of these plates are scanned directly into the ProtoCOL 3. Large format plates such as SRD with large grid arrays can easily be scanned and imaged with ProcScan. Images are then analysed using the ProtoCOL 3 software.

Scan Area - Up to 310 x 437 mm

Scanner - Color

Resolution - up to 2400 dpi

Speed - 300 x 300 mm in less than 1 minutes

Connectivity - USB 2.0

ProcMacro

ProtoCOL 3 can work with circular plates up to 100mm diameter. For plates of up to 150mm, the ProcMacro is used in conjunction with the ProtoCOL 3 to capture images. The ProcMacro uses a high resolution external color camera. The assembly has both transmitted light and overhead illumination so that any type of plate can be viewed and an image captured using optimum lighting conditions. Camera exposure and image capture is controlled by the ProtoCOL 3 software. Once images are captured the ProtoCOL 3 software can then perform the analysis/count.

ProcUV

ProcUV images fluorescent colonies with ease. This stand alone darkroom features a 1.4MP color camera with internal UV lighting. Plates are placed inside the darkroom where the fluorescent colonies are excited by the UV illumination.

The darkroom and camera are connected to the Protocol 3 using the firewire port. Images are then imported into the Protocol 3 software for analysis and counting.

ProcUV Offers You:

• High Resolution 1.4MP Color Camera
• Easy to control manual zoom lens
• Filter drawer for a range of fluorescent filters
• Large sliding door for safe, easy access
• Built in white light

• You can use ProcUV for:

  • Dark, light or multi-colored colonies
  • Fluorescent colonies
  • Colonies expressing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
  • Viral plaques