Synbiosis has announced that its ProtoCOL 2 automated zone measuring system now offers functionality for analysing antibiotic susceptibility testing plates.
This can help improve quality testing and speed up the release of new antibiotics, thus reducing the spread of drug resistance.
Using the ergonomically designed ProtoCOL 2 permits precise measurement of inhibition zones on antibiotic susceptibility testing plates, even if the zone's edge is indistinct or if the majority of the plate has been cleared by the antibiotic being tested.
ProtoCOL 2 features integrated sliding doors to eliminate ambient light effects and its LED lighting provides uniform illumination of antibiotic susceptibility testing plates.
The system contains a high-resolution CCD camera that automatically generates highly defined zone images in seconds.
The Zone software will assess multiple points from the zone to rapidly calculate an average diameter.
The software will also measure and subtract disc and well sizes.
The results generated can be automatically transferred into statistical analysis software or archived where a batch number and antibiotic name can be entered.
An image library is also created, permitting scientists to see antibiotic susceptibility testing plates if there is a query after disposal.
Producing data and image files ensure it is simple to locate vital information or generate professional reports when regulatory authorities request them.
The capabilities of the software can also be integrated into a 21CFR Part 11 environment, which means ProtoCOL 2 is suitable for use in any GMP antibiotic production facility or clinical microbiology laboratory.
