Protocol-3 Overview
ProtoCOL 3 plus is the latest innovation from Synbiosis. The ProtoCOL 3 is an instrument for colony counting, zone measurements (inhibition and antibiotic susceptibility testing), membranes, PETRIFILM™ plates, CompactDry™ 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.
This new design 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) and measure zones accurately to 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.
ProtoCOL 3’s 3 channel LED lighting system is 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 a barcode reader. 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.
PETRIFILMTM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.
Benefits
- 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 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.
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)
- Chromogenic
- Multi-sector
- MIC
- Dilution series
ProtoCOL 3 is being used at a world-renowned vaccine research facility for testing and designing new and existing vaccines against serious bacterial diseases. One of the ways scientists there test the efficacy of vaccines is to mix serum from vaccinated participants with bacteria in an SBA assay.
