Synbiosis Automated Colony Counter at Major Disinfectant Manufacturer Cuts Quality Control Time in Half, Without Compromising Accuracy

October 6th 2005, Cambridge, UK: Synbiosis, a world-leading manufacturer of automated microbiological systems, is pleased to announce that its åCOLyte automated colony counter is being used at Evans Vanodine International, a major hygiene chemicals manufacturer based in the UK.

Microbiologists at Evans Vanodine are using the åCOLyte SuperCount automated colony counter in their UKAS accredited Microbiology Department to count a number of different species of potentially life threatening bacteria including MRSA, Salmonella and E.coli. These bacteria have been previously treated with Evans Vanodine’s hygiene chemicals and the counts indicate the effectiveness of each disinfectant.

Valerie Fotheringham, Chief Microbiologist at Evans Vanodine explained: “We need to count 15 to 300 colonies on 100 plates every week. We used to use a semi-automated light box and pen and it could take four microbiologists an entire day to count and record results. Now we use åCOLyte we can get this done in half a day so we can devote the time saved to calculating results and preparing test reports.

“We installed åCOLyte because it is an affordable system which is like a basic light box but faster. Since we are testing for the bactericidal activity of disinfectants under our UKAS accreditation, it is imperative to validate that the system is comparable to a manual count. We have successfully carried out extensive laboratory validation studies on the åCOLyte to achieve this aim,” continued Mrs Fotheringham.

Simon Johns, Divisional Manager for Synbiosis stated: “The rise in hospital acquired infections is a serious concern and we are delighted that åCOLyte is helping Evans Vanodine to ensure disinfectants, used to counter this problem, are available more rapidly. Additionally, as Evan’s Vanodine’s use of the system has reduced their workload and their validation studies demonstrate åCOLyte is comparable to a manual counting method, this makes it ideal for any microbial quality control setting.”

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For Further Information Contact:
Jayne Arthur, Synbiosis, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.
Tel: +44(0) 1223-727125 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101
Email: jayne.arthur@synbiosis.com  Web site: www.synbiosis.com 

Valerie Fotheringham, Evans Vanodine International plc, Brierley Road, Walton Summit, Lancashire, PR5 8AH, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 322200 Fax: +44 (0) 1772 626000
Email: microlab@evansvanodine.co.uk  Web site: www.evansvanodine.co.uk 

Editor Contact:
Dr Sue Pearson, PO Box 170, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 3GD, UK.
Tel/Fax +44 (0) 1462-635327 Email: sue6.pearson@ntlworld.com

Note to Editors

About Synbiosis

Synbiosis is a world-leading supplier of integrated imaging solutions for automatic counting and analysis of microbial colonies and zone measurement. The ProtoCOL and åCOLyte systems from Synbiosis are installed in food, pharmaceutical, environmental and research microbiology laboratories worldwide. Synbiosis uses established distribution channels to market its products internationally.

Synbiosis, founded in 1998 is a division of the Synoptics Group based in Cambridge UK. The Group’s other divisions, Syncroscopy and Syngene, specialise in digital imaging solutions for microscopy and molecular biology applications respectively. Synoptics currently employs 55 people in its UK and US subsidiary operation.

About Evans Vanodine International

Based in Lancashire, UK, Evans Vanodine International, founded in 1919, is a family owned manufacturer of janitorial, food process and livestock hygiene chemicals. The Company has production facilities with capacities of up to 12,000 litres and filling capabilities from 0.5 to 200 litres, and supplies quality products to over 60 countries worldwide.