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3M Petrifilm Plate Reader Software Upgrade Delivers Expanded Reading Capabilities

3M
17 Apr 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

Product news

3M Food Safety announced today the availability of software enhancements to its 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plate Reader, a popular peripheral device that serves as an automated alternative to the more time-consuming task of manually counting and documenting colonies of bacteria on 3M™ Petrifilm™ Plates indicator tests.

The new 3M Petrifilm Plate Reader software version 4.0 now automates the imaging, interpretation and data mapping of the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid Aerobic Count Plate, which debuted last year as a novel 24-hour test. In addition, this release also makes functionality for the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Enterobacteriaceae Count Plate and 3M™ Petrifilm™ Select E. coli Count Plate globally available.

The software upgrades are part of 3M’s continued effort to increase efficiency and reduce costs within food safety labs globally, as well as, improve the documentation and traceability of their indicator testing results. Traceability has drawn increasing attention in legislative and regulatory discussions around the world due to the globalization of the food supply chain and its critical role in protecting public health. Multiple laws – including the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act – either focus on or contain elements specifically addressing the issue.

Results in Four Seconds Flat

After individual 3M Petrifilm Plates are inoculated and incubated, they can be easily loaded into the 3M Petrifilm Plate Reader where they are electronically read and interpreted in about four seconds. Thoroughly tested across a broad range of food types, 3M’s software-enabled technology facilitates compliance by documenting test data as well as storing individual plate images on file. The 3M Petrifilm Plate Reader also automates logging of 128 symbology bar code labels, and allows details related to the technician, food type, food lot and dilution schemes to be electronically stored rather than transcribed by hand. Data can also be easily exported to laboratory information management systems and other reporting tools.

“Variability in colony counts is driven by any number of factors, not limited to, lab technician interpretation differences, missed counts, differing levels of experience, multi-tasking and even time of day and fatigue.” said Jason Semerad, 3M Food Safety global marketing manager. “3M Petrifilm Plate Reader automation eliminates that variability, as well as, transcription errors, while improving overall lab productivity and audit-readiness. Food processors will also appreciate knowing the technology has been expanded to encompass more tests.”

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MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Software PlatformsSoftware platforms are useful for various stages of laboratory experiments from data collection to data storage and processing. For instance lab software is available for system control, data management, data analysis and qualification / validation.Plate ProcessingAutomated plate processing is used in microplate technologies for high-throughput, speed and efficiency. Plate processing systems include microplate handlers for moving plates, heat sealers, stackers and carousels for storage, retrieval and delivery, microplate washers and piercers. Useful features of plate processors include walk-away automation, compatibility and easy integration with microplate systems.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Food and Beverage ProcessingFood and Beverage Processing involves the preparation of food products for further analysis. Typical instrumentation includes blanchers, color sorters, cookers, grinders, and refrigeration. These are used to replicate the processes commonly used in the commercial preparation of food and beverages.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Food SafetyFood safety describes the prevention of food-borne illnesses. Contamination with a variety of pathogens can be prevented with adequate temperature control, hygiene and labeling. Food samples can be tested using GC/MS, HPLC, SPE, and qPCR to ensure their adherence to regulations.BacteriaBacteria are microorganisms that play critical roles in the environment, human health, and biotechnology. Understanding bacterial genetics, growth, and metabolism is essential for developing antibiotics, vaccines, and improving industrial processes. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best bacterial research tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Plate ProcessingFood QualityFood quality refers to the attributes of food that influence its safety, nutrition, and taste. Monitoring and ensuring food quality are essential in production to meet health regulations and consumer expectations. Techniques like spectroscopy, chromatography, and microbial testing are used to assess food properties and detect contaminants. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find food quality testing solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Quality ControlQuality control is needed in all production processes. Quality control is a monitoring procedure or set of procedures that are put in place to ensure that a manufactured product adheres to a defined set of quality criteria.

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3M Petrifilm Plate Reader Software Upgrade Delivers Expanded Reading Capabilities