Bacterial Colony Counter
Semi-automated bacterial colony counting instrument with variable magnification (1X-10X) and digital display for accurate enumeration of colonies on standard petri dishes up to 110mm diameter.
| Automation Level | semi-automated |
| Phonetic Counting | No |
| Amplification | 1X, 5X, 10X |
| Counter Range | 0~9999 |
| Suitable Petri Dishes | φ50-90-110mm |
| Character Height | 13mm |
The Bacterial Colony Counter is a semi-automated counting instrument designed for microbiology laboratories conducting plate-based enumeration studies. The device features a 16W illuminated counting platform capable of accommodating standard petri dishes from 50-110mm diameter, with variable magnification settings (1X, 5X, 10X) for accurate colony visualization across different dish sizes and colony densities.
The system utilizes a manual counting approach with electronic registration, displaying results on a 13mm character height digital display with a counting range of 0-9999 colonies per plate. The compact benchtop design (255×180×110mm) provides consistent illumination and ergonomic operation for routine microbiological enumeration protocols in quality control, research, and clinical laboratory settings.
How It Works
The bacterial colony counter operates on the principle of manual enumeration with electronic registration and visual enhancement. The system provides uniform illumination through a 16W lamp positioned beneath a translucent counting platform, creating consistent backlighting that enhances colony contrast against the agar medium background.
Variable magnification optics (1X, 5X, 10X) allow researchers to adjust visual magnification based on colony size, density, and petri dish diameter. The operator manually identifies and marks colonies while the electronic counter registers each input, displaying the cumulative count on a digital readout with 13mm character height for clear visibility during extended counting sessions.
The counting platform accommodates petri dishes ranging from 50-110mm diameter, with the illumination system designed to provide even light distribution across the entire dish area. This approach combines human pattern recognition capabilities with electronic accuracy to minimize counting errors common in purely manual enumeration methods.
Features & Benefits
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Phonetic Counting
- No
Amplification
- 1X, 5X, 10X
Counter Range
- 0~9999
Suitable Petri Dishes
- φ50-90-110mm
Character Height
- 13mm
Lamp Power
- 16W
Weight
- 3kg
External Size(W*D*H)
- 255*180*110mm
Package Size(W*D*H)
- 370*220*330mm
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Environmental Monitoring
- Food Science
- Industrial Hygiene
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical QC
Power/Voltage
- AC220V, 50/60Hz(Standard); 110V, 50/60Hz(Optional)
Weight
- 1.7 kg
Dimensions
- L: 11.0 mm
- W: 25.5 mm
- H: 18.0 mm
Comparison Guide
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnification Range | Variable 1X, 5X, 10X magnification settings | Fixed magnification or limited zoom options | Allows optimization of colony visualization for different bacterial species and growth densities |
| Petri Dish Compatibility | Accommodates 50-90-110mm diameter dishes | Often limited to standard 100mm dishes only | Provides flexibility for diverse experimental protocols and sample volumes |
| Counting Capacity | 0-9999 count range | Lower maximum counts or overflow limitations | Handles high-density environmental samples and concentrated bacterial suspensions |
| Display Readout | 13mm character height digital display | Smaller displays or analog counters | Ensures clear count visibility during extended enumeration sessions |
| Power Requirements | Dual voltage (110V/220V) compatibility | Single voltage operation requiring converters | Enables direct operation in international laboratory settings |
This colony counter combines electronic counting accuracy with variable magnification optics and wide petri dish compatibility. The high counting range and clear digital display support diverse microbiology applications from clinical diagnostics to environmental monitoring.
Practical Tips
Verify counter accuracy weekly using plates with known colony counts or by comparing results between operators.
Why: Ensures consistent enumeration accuracy across different users and experimental sessions.
Clean the counting platform with 70% ethanol between samples to prevent cross-contamination and maintain optical clarity.
Why: Removes residual agar and bacterial debris that can interfere with illumination and colony visibility.
Use consistent counting patterns (spiral or grid) and mark counted colonies to avoid double-counting in high-density plates.
Why: Systematic approaches reduce counting errors and improve reproducibility between operators.
Select magnification based on colony size rather than density - use higher magnification for small colonies regardless of plate density.
Why: Colony morphology visibility is more critical than field of view for accurate enumeration.
Record counting conditions (magnification used, incubation time, media type) with results for protocol standardization.
Why: Documentation enables method validation and troubleshooting of inconsistent results.
If colonies appear dim, check lamp function and clean optical surfaces before adjusting magnification.
Why: Poor illumination or dirty optics often cause visibility issues that magnification changes cannot resolve.
Allow plates to equilibrate to room temperature before counting to prevent condensation on the platform surface.
Why: Temperature differentials create moisture that can obscure colonies and damage electronic components.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Bacterial colony counter main unit
- Power cord (voltage-specific)
- User manual and operation guide
- Counting stylus or pointer (typical)
- Cleaning cloth (typical)
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
Warranty & ConductCare
ConductScience provides a standard 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for operation and maintenance guidance.
What is the accuracy of colony counting compared to manual methods?
The electronic registration eliminates manual counting errors while maintaining human pattern recognition for colony identification. Accuracy depends on operator consistency and colony morphology, but electronic tallying removes arithmetic errors common in purely manual methods.
Can the system handle overlapping or chain-forming colonies?
The variable magnification (1X-10X) assists in resolving closely spaced colonies, but overlapping or chain-forming bacteria still require operator judgment for accurate enumeration, similar to standard manual counting protocols.
What maintenance is required for consistent performance?
Regular cleaning of the counting platform and optical components with laboratory disinfectant, periodic lamp replacement when illumination intensity decreases, and electronic counter calibration verification.
How does counting speed compare to fully manual enumeration?
The enhanced illumination and magnification reduce eye strain and improve colony visibility, potentially increasing counting speed and accuracy, particularly for plates with small or faint colonies.
Is the counter suitable for anaerobic culture plates?
Yes, the system can count colonies from anaerobic cultures once plates are removed from anaerobic conditions, though exposure time should be minimized to prevent oxygen-sensitive organism viability loss.
Can the system accommodate non-standard petri dish sizes?
The platform is designed for dishes 50-110mm in diameter; dishes outside this range may not receive uniform illumination or proper platform support, potentially affecting counting accuracy.
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