Maintaining strict process control is essential for ensuring product safety and quality. Yet, conventional methods, such as plating and incubation, can be time-consuming. Indirect approaches, like ATP testing, can also be limited in their ability to accurately assess microbial contamination on surfaces in many food processing environments. This is where impedance-based flow cytometry stands out, offering a fast, direct measurement method on-site.

With CytoQuant^®, Romer Labs introduces a mobile, impedance-based flow cytometer that empowers risk-based decision-making and supports proactive interventions. In less than 30 seconds, it delivers precise total viable counts directly at the production site, enabling swift, on-the-spot microbial assessments and providing unparalleled process control.

Conventional microbial testing methods often require extensive laboratory work, delaying critical decisions. CytoQuant^® addresses this need for speed and accessibility, providing immediate insights into total contamination levels at critical control points. This point-of-need technology streamlines the detection process, enabling immediate interventions to prevent deviations from accepted microbiological criteria.

CytoQuant^® relies on impedance flow cytometry, a highly accurate technique that counts bacterial cells without the need for growth-based detection or reagents. The technology measures subtle changes in electrical impedance as bacterial cells pass through a flow channel. These changes, which vary with the frequency of the applied current, allow for precise quantification of bacterial cells and particulate residue. Originally employed in drinking water hygiene and fermentation monitoring, this approach has now been miniaturized into a handheld device that brings the power of flow cytometry directly onto the production floor—no incubation, pre-treatment, or complex preparation required. It is also unaffected by trace detergents or disinfectants, further simplifying the testing process.

Because it provides distinct results for bacterial cells and particulate residue, CytoQuant^® enables effective verification of both cleaning and disinfection procedures, supporting compliance with established food safety standards. The device's accurate, real-time data streamlines risk mitigation, minimizing false alarms and easing regulatory compliance. Moreover, its user-friendly design and minimal training requirements allow for versatile, on-site testing by a wide range of personnel. This commitment to rigorous quality assurance strengthens consumer trust and enhances brand reputation.

CytoQuant^® represents a significant advancement in on-site microbial monitoring. By delivering rapid, accurate, and actionable data at critical control points, it empowers food processors and related industries to improve process control, bolster food safety, and ensure consistent product quality. In a fast-moving industry, the ability to make informed, immediate decisions marks a new era in microbial risk management.

Learn more about CytoQuant^® and book your demo today!