Synbiosis: New ProtoCOL System

For Faster, More Accurate Colony Count and Inhibition Zone Measurement

13th November 2002. Cambridge, UK: Synbiosis, a world-leading manufacturer of automated microbiological systems, today introduced its next generation ProtoCOL automated system, which includes ProtoZONE and the upgraded Version 4 ProtoCOL software. The new system, designed to save time with measuring inhibition zones as well as enumerating colonies, is essential for microbiologists in busy microbiology laboratories.

Available for the first time with a standard ProtoCOL system, ProtoZONE software offers an excellent method of automatically measuring antibiotic susceptibility zones and is ideal for clinical samples. With all data generated conforming to published standards of accuracy and repeatability, the quality of results is assured. The system is also fast and efficient, reading a standard 90 mm plate containing six antibiotic disks and associated inhibition zones in less than two seconds.

The new ProtoCOL also includes Version 4 ProtoCOL colony counting software. This software now includes even more advanced features such as adjustable colony separation and shape recognition, further increasing counting accuracy.

Both ProtoZONE and ProtoCOL Version 4 software automatically store plate images and printable results that relate to each plate. To save time and eliminate potential keying errors, results can also be transferred to either a LIMS or into a flexible Excel format for statistical analysis. 

Simon Johns, International Product Manager for Synbiosis commented: ”With the free inclusion of ProtoZONE and Version 4 ProtoCOL software, the new ProtoCOL system has much greater functionality built in. ProtoCOL is now performing colony counts and inhibition zone measurements to such a degree of accuracy, that microbiologists who are under pressure to obtain results faster, will find it indispensable.”

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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  

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. Synbiosis’s ProtoCOL systems are installed in food, pharmaceutical, environmental and research microbiology laboratories world-wide. 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 50 people in its UK and US subsidiary operation and has profitable revenue of almost $10 million, which continues to grow rapidly.