Quantitray

The Quantitray Automated Unit is an advanced instrument designed for automatically counting and calculating bacterial counts from all types of Quantitray tests, including popular assays such as Colilert and Legiolert. It employs a high-resolution camera combined with both visible and UV light sources to detect color changes in wells, which indicate the presence of bacteria. The built-in AI-powered counting software precisely recognizes which wells have changed color, ensuring fast, accurate identification of positive samples. This significantly reduces operator workload and reflects the broader capabilities of AUTONOMA’s automation and robotics solutions in improving laboratory throughput and consistency.

The device features a user-friendly, ergonomic design, operated through a built-in touchscreen interface for straightforward daily use. It also offers optional operation via a networked PC or a server-based virtual machine running HF Innovation’s LabDroid software, unlocking advanced photo capture and expanded result export options for laboratories that require more detailed data handling. Results can be exported in multiple formats, including CSV, XLS, and TXT, with customizable layouts tailored to each laboratory’s specific reporting requirements.

• Reduces/eliminates operator exposure to: 
  • UV Light/Radiation
  • Repetitive actions 
  • Error prone counting activities
• Eliminates risk of sample mix-ups and result errors. 
• Excellent precision and accuracy (no variance between operators) 
• Frees up operators to perform more complex and valuable tasks. 
• Allows unattended processing of samples after hours. 
• Allows easy integration with AUTONOMA’s other modular automation in the future, without costly modifications or engineering. 

Operators open the drawer and place an incubated Quantitray inside for counting. The sample ID is entered on the touchscreen, and the appropriate method or analyte is selected, such as coliforms or E. coli. Alternatively, operators can scan the sample ID barcode or QR code, avoiding manual typing errors and speeding up the registration process.

Once the method or analyte has been confirmed, the operator presses the start button to initiate the analysis. The scan takes only a few seconds, after which the results, including MPN and confidence limit values, are displayed directly on the screen. By default, results can also be exported automatically to LIMS along with high-resolution photos for archiving purposes. A second photo using the UV light source can also be captured if required, providing additional detail for review or record-keeping.

Once scanning is complete, trays are removed and the unit is immediately ready for the next sample. The system is fully enclosed, ensuring consistent, controlled lighting conditions for accurate results while also preventing operator exposure to UV radiation during operation.

The machine features a user-friendly, ergonomic design, operated via a built-in touchscreen for straightforward day-to-day use. For laboratories requiring photo and result export capabilities, an optional networked PC or server-based virtual machine running HF Innovation’s LabDroid software is also available, extending the system’s functionality beyond standalone operation.

It integrates easily with leading Laboratory Information Management Systems, including CCLAS, Starlims, LabWare, and SampleManager, streamlining sample registration and reducing manual data entry. Results can be exported in CSV, XLS, or TXT formats, with customizable layouts to suit each laboratory’s reporting needs. For deeper connectivity, API interfaces to LIMS systems are also available, enabling more direct and automated data exchange between the unit and laboratory management platforms.