Charm Sciences have improved their PEEL Plate^® Colony Counter to now accurately count the higher volume 5mL Peel Plate^® tests. The PEEL Plate^® Colony Counter II has accuracy within 10% of an experienced microbiologist's visual count and this accuracy now also applies to the higher sensitivity 5mL tests regulatory agencies require to be performed in sectors where higher sanitation standards apply.

The PEEL Plates^® are ideal for environmental monitoring. Sponges that are used to sample surfaces are placed in a suitable suspension in which they are squeezed to maximize recovery of microorganisms and from this suspension, a 1mL or 5mL sample is taken and counted by the automated Colony Counter. High volume sample (5mL) plates are available for coliform, E.coli and coliform count, yeast and mold count, and Enterobacteriaceae count.

This new Peel Plate^® Colony Counter II counts a portfolio of microbial tests: aerobic count, coliform count, E.coli and coliform count, yeast and mold count, Enterobacteriaceae count, Staphylococcus aureus, and heterotrophic count.

The new model is a stand-alone unit with an internal computer. Users can customize channel accuracy by matrix with color, size, edge rounding, and lighting. For each test result, the Colony Counter stores raw images, processed images, and full test result information. Examples of information that can be stored include Peel Plate test type and size, operator ID, sample ID, date and time of the results, count, dilution, and the result in CFU/g.

This information can be reviewed, downloaded in real-time, exported into an excel spreadsheet, or directly transferred to an SQL database or other data management system. This in-depth record keeping is becoming increasingly important as food companies aim to comply with industry regulations.