Colony Counters
Colony Counters
Stuart Colony Counter SC6 PLUS
Synbiosis ProtoCOL 3, Protos 3, aCOLyte 3

ProtoCOL 3 is the next generation instrument for colony counting, zone measurements, (inhibition and AST), membranes and a range of other applications.
Synbiosis Protos 3 Automated Colony Counter and Chromogenic Identification System
Protos 3 is a revolutionary automated colony counter and chromogenic identification system for use in food and environmental microbiology laboratories.
Synbiosis aCOLyte 3 Automated Colony Counter
aCOLyte 3 HD is the latest affordable automated colony counting device, featuring new simple to use software that greatly improves efficiency, reliability and productivity.
Environmental & Water |
Food & Drink |
Pharmaceutical |
Clinical |
Veterinary |
ProtoCOL 3 Protos 3 aCOLyte 3 HD aCOLade 2 |
ProDilute ProBlend ProtoCOL 3 Protos 3 aCOLyte 3 HD aCOLade 2 |
ProtoCOL 3 ProcScan ProDilute ProBlend aCOLade 2 |
ChromaZona ProtoCOL 3 ProcScan aCOLade 2 ChromaZona |
ProcScan aCOLade 2 aCOLyte 3 HD ProtoCOL 3 |
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Colony counter, digital plus with IQ/OQ documentation
Colony counter, digital plus
Touch pressure with felt tip marker on petri dish registers cumulative count on the digital display with confirmation by audible tone (can be turned on or off). The pressure required to register a count can be adjusted to suit each user.
Averaging facility calculates average count over multiple plates. Counting results as well as useful statistics including SD can be sent directly to the accessory printer or to a computer via a USB cable supplied. Sub-stage illumination by low energy bright LED's allows glare-free optimum viewing. A switchable black background is provided to enhance viewing of translucent and difficult to see colonies. Supplied with two Wolffhuegel graticules and dish centering adapters to facilitate use with 50mm to 90mm dishes. A choice of magnifiers and a printer are available as optional accessories.
- Pressure sensitive counting
- Average count facility
- Bright white energy saving LED lighting
- With BioCote antimicrobial protection
- Audible count confirmation
- Choice of light or dark background
- Connectivity to printer or computer
Lighting | White LED array |
---|---|
Digital display | 3 digit LED |
Count | 0 to 999 |
Dimensions (w x d x h) | 310 x 300 x 140mm |
Net weight | 1.5kg |
Electrical supply | 90 to 240V, 50/ 60Hz, 70W |
Colony Counter, automated. Requires PC with at least 2 spare USB ports (USB 2.0 recommended), Windows XP, service pack 3, Win 7 32 bit and 64 bit, Windows 8
Fully automatic imaging lightbox for colony counting of pour plates and spiral plates. Counting is carried out by a single key press, giving plate counts in just one second. Huge time savings are achieved through a combination of automatic counting with instant data handling and report generation. Full removal of manual data transcriptions further optimize your laboratory's performance. Award winning design features a compact and stylish purpose-built unit, incorporating a high-resolution colour digital camera, unique LED transmitted and incident lighting, live digital video link by USB to PC. Software includes an ergonomically designed modern user interface, live full colour imaging of plates, image zoom and panning, camera exposure control, image capture, plate ID entry, automatic calculation of count per ml and time/date reporting for each plate.
aCOLyte 3 HD is the latest affordable, automated colony counting device from Synbiosis. It is available in one configuration and features new simple-to-use software that greatly improves efficiency, reliability and productivity over previous models.
The new aCOLyte 3 HD software uses a powerful new algorithm for colony counting on pour and spiral plates which until now were only found on the advanced ProtoCOL 3 models. Plates are automatically counted with results directly transferred to Excel or Open office.
The new style aCOLyte 3 HD, recognisable by its black and silver colour, accepts plates up to 90mm diameter. Lighting is provided by LEDs mounted above and below the sample area for both transmitted and epi illumination. A detachable screen can be used to eliminate strong ambient light if required.
aCOLyte 3 HD can be used with any conforming laptop or desktop PC and connects simply by using a USB port.
aCOLyte 3 is ideal for:
- Accurate colony counting of 90mm plates
- Detecting colonies as small as 0.1mm
- Counting colonies on dark or light coloured media
- Generating and displaying plate images
- Full traceability and archiving results
- Use on small lab bench spaces
Specifications
PC connection | USB |
Resolution | For standard 90mm petri dishes, smallest detectable colony better than 0.1mm |
Illumination | Long-life upper and lower LED arrays with darkfield and brightfield |
Power input | 110/240v |
Minimum PC specification |
Processor: Intel Core 2 or Core i processor 2.13 GHz or better 2Gb RAM, 4Gb recommended CD-Rom drive (required for software installation) 2 free independent USB 2.0 ports, at least one of which supports hi-speed mode. Note that there are three possible port speeds with USB 2.0: Lo-speed (1.5Mbps), full-speed (12Mbps) and hi-speed (up to 480Mbps). The aCOLyte camera requires a hi-speed port Operating system: Windows XP Professional 32 bit version Service Pack 3 or Windows 7 Professional 32 bit and 64 bit version |
Requires PC with at least 2 spare USB ports (USB 2.0 recommended), Windows XP, service pack 3, Win 7 32 bit and 64 bit, Windows 8
Applications
aCOLyte 3 HD can be used for total viable counts in many environmental, food monitoring, pharmaceutical, clinical, and molecular biology applications.
Examples would include:
- E.coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp, and mixed organisms on plate count or nutrient agar.
- Staphylococcus aureus, and mixed organisms on plate count agar, columbia blood agar, or nutrient agar.
- E.coli on LB medium, and yeast on potato dextrose agar.
Colony Counter and Zone Sizing System, without PC, automated, with validation plates, 1.4 MP camera
ProtoCOL3 is an ergonomically designed imaging unit with dark screens to eliminate ambient light effects and improve imaging results. The unit contains a high resolution camera with red, blue and green LED lighting (patent pending) integrated to a processor and software. The software is accessed via a touch screen PC mounted on the unit and features on screen commands, allowing users to intuitively set their system up in minutes.
ProtoCOL 3 is the next generation instrument for colony counting, zone measurements (inhibition and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), membranes, PETRIFILMTM plates 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 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 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 and Ames. The SRD module is supplied as standard. 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.
PETRIFILMTM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.
ProtoCOL 3 is ideal for:
- High throughput pharmaceutical and food microbiology applications
- Automatically reading different plate configurations up to 150mm diameter
- Producing true to life full colour images using multi-array LED lighting
- Extensive report generation
- Integrating into GLP and GMP environments with full traceability
- Detecting colonies as small as 43 microns
- Highly accurate zone measurements to 0.5mm
- Versatility, adding SynStats, Chromogenic ID or AST software for specialist applications
Specifications
ProtoCOL 3 | ProtoCOL 3 Plus | |
Construction |
Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam Integral CCD camera and lens |
Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam Integral CCD camera and lens Mounted all-in-one PC |
Light shield | 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light | 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light |
Camera |
1.4m pixel scientific grade CCD camera USB integral camera with f1.2 lens |
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 | For standard 150mm Petri dish, smallest detectable colony is 43 microns |
Imaging | 3 channel capture for colour images | 3 channel camera 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 |
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 |
External connections | All-in-one touch panel PC 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 |
|
Measurement modes | Colony counting and zone measurement | Colony counting and zone measurement |
Count modes | Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode | Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode |
Software | Win7 compatible | Win7 compatible |
Database | SQL database stores all data and image locations | SQL database stores all data and image locations |
Dimensions | 450mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w) | 700mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w) |
Weight | 20kg |
30kg |
Applications
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)
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 PETRIFILMTM plates
- 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 accurately to 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.
- 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
PETRIFILM TM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.
Colony Counter and Zone Sizing System, with PC, automated, with validation plates, 1.4 MP camera
ProtoCOL3 is an ergonomically designed imaging unit with dark screens to eliminate ambient light effects and improve imaging results. The unit contains a high resolution camera with red, blue and green LED lighting (patent pending) integrated to a processor and software. The software is accessed via a touch screen PC mounted on the unit and features on screen commands, allowing users to intuitively set their system up in minutes.
ProtoCOL 3 is the next generation instrument for colony counting, zone measurements (inhibition and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), membranes, PETRIFILMTM plates 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 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 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 and Ames. The SRD module is supplied as standard. 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.
PETRIFILMTM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.
ProtoCOL 3 is ideal for:
- High throughput pharmaceutical and food microbiology applications
- Automatically reading different plate configurations up to 150mm diameter
- Producing true to life full colour images using multi-array LED lighting
- Extensive report generation
- Integrating into GLP and GMP environments with full traceability
- Detecting colonies as small as 43 microns
- Highly accurate zone measurements to 0.5mm
- Versatility, adding SynStats, Chromogenic ID or AST software for specialist applications
Specifications
ProtoCOL 3 | ProtoCOL 3 Plus | |
Construction |
Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam Integral CCD camera and lens |
Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam Integral CCD camera and lens Mounted all-in-one PC |
Light shield | 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light | 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light |
Camera |
1.4m pixel scientific grade CCD camera USB integral camera with f1.2 lens |
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 | For standard 150mm Petri dish, smallest detectable colony is 43 microns |
Imaging | 3 channel capture for colour images | 3 channel camera 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 |
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 |
External connections | All-in-one touch panel PC 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 |
|
Measurement modes | Colony counting and zone measurement | Colony counting and zone measurement |
Count modes | Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode | Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode |
Software | Win7 compatible | Win7 compatible |
Database | SQL database stores all data and image locations | SQL database stores all data and image locations |
Dimensions | 450mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w) | 700mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w) |
Weight | 20kg |
30kg |
Applications
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)
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 PETRIFILMTM plates
- 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 accurately to 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.
- 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
PETRIFILM TM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.
Colony Counter and Chromogenic Identification System, without PC, automated, 1.4 MP CCD camera
Protos 3 is an ergonomically designed imaging unit with dark screens to eliminate ambient light effects and improve imaging results. The unit contains a high resolution camera with red, blue and green LED lighting (patent pending) and software with validation plate. The software features a single user level with on screen commands, allowing users to intuitively set their system up in minutes. These settings can be saved to make analysing the same plate types at a later date, a quick one touch process. Comes as standard for Count, Spiral and Dilution series counting and Chromogenic identification. No other options available and no LIMS connectivity
Protos 3 is a revolutionary automated colony counter and chromogenic identification system. Using its sensitive CCD camera and unique lighting coupled with powerful analysis software, Protos 3 counts colonies in seconds and automatically identifies microbial species by their colour on chromogenic plates. This provides accurate, objective and fully traceable results.
The compact Protos 3 attaches via USB to a computer, where microbiologists can input their plate identification and with the one-click colony counting and chromogenic ID software can rapidly analyse a wide range of plate types. The count results can be automatically transferred to Excel where the count, plate ID and images can be saved. This GLP compliant process, with its full audit trail eliminates transcription errors to provide accurate, objective data, which can be reviewed at any time and used to produce professional reports.
Protos 3 can be used with both small and large plates (up to 150mm) to read a range of format types including spiral, pour, spread and dilution series plates. The system’s camera is so sensitive it can routinely detect colonies as small as 43 microns and the unique LED lighting system and Protos 3 software allows analysis of an infinite number of colonies on one plate in seconds, making this an ideal system for use in busy food and environmental microbiology laboratories.
Protos 3 is suitable for:
- One click, automated colony counting
- Medium throughput analysis of 75 plates in 5 minutes
- Food and environmental microbiology labs
- Multiple colony counting and microbial identification functions
- Reproducible results
- True colour recognition using unique three colour lighting
- Classifying colonies by size, colour and shape
- GLP compliance and full traceability
Specifications
Feature | Description |
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 90mm plates, 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 |
Detection modes | Colony counting and Chromogenic ID |
Count modes | Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode |
Software | Win7 compatible |
Database | SQL database stores all data and image locations |
Dimensions |
450mm(h) x 500mm(d) x 400mm(w) |
Weight | 20kg |
Applications
- Pour plates
- Spiral plates
- Gridded plates
- Streak plates
- Species identification
- Large plates (up to 150mm)
- Dilution series plates
Quick Search
Comparison of ProtoCOL 3 Plus, ProtoCOL 3, Protos 3 and aCOLyte 3
Specifications | ProtoCOL 3 Plus | ProtoCOL 3 | Protos 3 | aCOLyte 3 |
Resolution | 43 μm | 43 μm | 43 μm | 0.1 mm |
Maximum zone resolution | 0.1 mm | 0.1 mm | N/A | N/A |
Maximum plate size | 150 mm | 150 mm | 150 mm | 90 mm |
LIMS connection | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Motion detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Comes with PC | Yes | No | No | No |
Applications | ||||
Counting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Zone measuring | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Spiral plates | Option | Option | Yes | Yes |
OPKA | Option | Option | No | No |
Multi-well | Option | Option | No | No |
Multi-sector | Option | Option | No | No |
SBA | Option | Option | No | No |
Ames | Option | Option | No | No |
AST | Option | Option | No | No |
Statistics | Option | Option | No | No |
Chromogenic ID | Option | Option | Yes | No |
Dilution series | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Gridded membranes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Eucast data | Option | Option | No | No |
Features | ||||
SQL database | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Direct export to Excel or Open Office | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Colour classification | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Size and shape classification | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Save images and data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Barcode reader option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Doors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Audit trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Industry Type | ||||
Environmental & Water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Food & Drink | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pharmaceutical | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Clinical | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Veterinary | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |