Applicator for automated diagnostic microbiology

Lab Tech Systems has released an applicator for installation into machines that will automate microbiology testing in global pathology and science laboratories.

The technology involves a disposable applicator that LabTech has trademarked as MicroStreak and replaces manual methods of specimen testing on agar plates by scientists.

Invented in Adelaide at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS) by John Glasson, chief operating officer for the Division of Clinical Pathology, and engineer and PhD candidate Lachlan Smith, the technology enables automatic spreading of a variety of sample types onto agar plates.

The technology is claimed to be a major development in more efficient testing and processing of samples for microbial processing as diagnostic microbiology is traditionally manual and labour intensive with the practice of isolating single bacterial colonies performed manually using agar plates and manual spreading devices.

Process automation provides a significant opportunity for faster microbiology sample testing, and the standardisation of techniques and results. This reduces labour costs and re-work and enables highly qualified scientists to focus on other areas of research.

LabTech is consulting Australian manufacturers to undertake commercial development of the MicroStreak laboratory machines. When operational, users will have access to fully automated robotic systems incorporating the disposable MicroStreak device for routine processing in diagnostic microbiology.

LabTech's automated systems will be scaleable and will benefit a range of microbial laboratories. The technique applies to medical, food testing, environmental monitoring and water testing laboratories and industry quality control and research facilities. Using traditional methods, scientists and their staff streak agar plates manually with a wire or plastic loop device. Processing pathology samples can take up to three minutes per specimen.

MicroStreak is claimed to be able to streak a plate in seconds with the resulting colonial separation giving superior results.

There is potential for significantly reducing laboratory operating costs with concurrent benefits in process standardisation and improved laboratory safety and service.