New Petri dish filler for QC laboratories in the beverage and water industry

MEDIAJET vario is a new automated Petri dish filler from INTEGRA Biosciences purpose designed to fulfil the media preparation requirements of quality control laboratories in the beverage and environmental / drinking water sectors. Further expanding the functionality of the successful MEDIAJET platform, the new system additionally offers the capability to quickly prepare large numbers of 60 mm diameter Petri dishes typically used in filter assays for determination of total bacterial counts.

Built to provide flexible productivity the MEDIAJET vario can be converted from filling 90mm diameter dishes to 60mm diameter dishes in less than 5 minutes. Using a proven mechanical dish guidance system, monitored by a set of sensors throughout the filling process, the compact MEDIAJET vario provides truly reliable, walk-away operation. Operational downtime and media loss due to 'dish jams' resulting from variations in the diameter, shape and rim profile of the disposable plastic Petri dishes are completely eliminated.

All functions on the MEDIAJET vario are conveniently controlled via a large graphical user interface. Intuitive software ensures operation of the system is completely self-explanatory even to occasional users. The ability to store up to 20 programmable methods provides facility to further improve unattended productivity. Designed to incorporate seamlessly into IQ/OQ certified environments the MEDIAJET vario provides facility, via an optional inkjet printer module, for automated dish imprinting with all the relevant data to ensure complete dish traceability.

The MEDIAJET vario has a unique 'Agar Spread Function' capability that provides the most efficient use of agar through ensuring homogeneous distribution and an even surface. By minimising the agar level in each Petri dish the new system enables up to 30% savings on media use compared to some traditional systems.

For consistent agar plate quality, maintaining a clean environment during the dispensing process is essential. The surface of the MEDIAJET vario filling chamber is manufactured from a single piece of chemically resistant polyethylene facilitating convenient and efficient cleaning. A powerful UV lamp further provides optimal bactericidal efficiency over the full length of the rotor where the dishes are opened during the dispensing process.