GERBER ColonyStar Automated Colony Counter
| Brand | GERBER |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | ColonyStar |
| Instrument Type | Fully Automated Colony Counter |
| Magnification | 2× |
| Display | 5-digit LCD (0–99999) |
| Counting Area Diameter | 145 mm |
| Resolution | 0.1 cm² |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 250 mm × 230 mm × 95 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Base Options | Black or White Contrast Background |
| Counting Speed | Adaptive to colony density (typical range: 1–5 s per Petri dish under standard conditions) |
Overview
The GERBER ColonyStar Automated Colony Counter is an entry-level yet highly reliable digital colony enumeration system engineered for routine microbiological quality control in food, pharmaceutical, environmental, and clinical laboratories. It employs high-contrast optical imaging combined with real-time electronic detection logic—not AI-based image recognition—to deliver rapid, operator-independent colony counts on standard 90 mm and 100 mm Petri dishes. Unlike manual tallying or semi-automated systems requiring threshold tuning, the ColonyStar utilizes fixed-intensity backlighting and dual-background (black/white) selection to maximize contrast between colonies and agar surface, enabling consistent binary detection of discrete colony units without user interpretation. Its 2× optical magnification enhances visual verification while preserving field-of-view integrity across the full 145 mm counting aperture. Designed for ISO 4833-1:2013 and ASTM D6723-22 compliant workflows, the instrument supports standardized plate reading protocols required for GLP and GMP environments.
Key Features
- Fixed 2× optical magnification with integrated LED backlighting for uniform illumination and minimal shadow artifacts
- Dual-contrast base plate—selectable black or white background—to optimize detection sensitivity across diverse colony morphologies (e.g., translucent, pigmented, or mucoid isolates)
- 5-digit LCD display with instant reset function (0–99999), supporting sequential plate counting without data loss
- 145 mm active counting diameter accommodates both 90 mm and 100 mm Petri dishes with precise 0.1 cm² spatial resolution
- Compact benchtop footprint (250 × 230 × 95 mm) and lightweight design (1.5 kg) for flexible placement in laminar flow hoods, biosafety cabinets, or shared lab spaces
- No software installation or PC dependency—fully self-contained operation with tactile push-button interface and low-power consumption (<5 W)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ColonyStar accepts standard non-inverted, non-dried, non-overgrown agar plates inoculated via pour plate, spread plate, or membrane filtration methods. It is validated for use with nutrient agar, TSA, VRBA, PCA, and other commonly employed microbiological media. While not a regulated device under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its deterministic counting logic and hardware-based reset functionality support audit-ready documentation when paired with laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated manual entry. The instrument meets CE marking requirements for electrical safety (EN 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1), and its mechanical design complies with ISO 8573-1 for cleanroom-compatible operation.
Software & Data Management
The GERBER ColonyStar operates as a standalone hardware counter with no embedded firmware updates, network connectivity, or proprietary software. All count data remain local to the LCD interface; users manually record results into laboratory notebooks, Excel spreadsheets, or enterprise LIMS platforms. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity risks associated with connected instruments and simplifies validation—no software qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) is required. For labs implementing 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, the device may be included within broader procedural controls (e.g., defined SOPs for plate handling, observer verification, and dual-entry logging) without necessitating electronic signature capabilities.
Applications
- Routine aerobic plate counts (APC) in food safety testing per ISO 4833-1 and FDA BAM Chapter 3
- Water and wastewater analysis per ISO 6222 and EPA Method 1603
- Pharmaceutical environmental monitoring (EM) for Grade C/D cleanrooms (EU GMP Annex 1)
- Educational microbiology labs requiring robust, low-maintenance enumeration tools
- QC release testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products where regulatory submission does not mandate fully validated image-analysis systems
FAQ
Does the ColonyStar support image capture or export?
No. It is a dedicated hardware counter without camera, storage, or USB/Bluetooth interfaces.
Can it distinguish between microcolonies and debris?
It relies on user-defined plate preparation and contrast optimization—not algorithmic segmentation—so proper incubation time and agar clarity are essential for accurate discrimination.
Is calibration required before use?
No formal calibration is specified; however, daily verification using a reference plate with known colony count (e.g., NIST-traceable calibration disc) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7.
What power supply does it use?
Standard 100–240 V AC input with internal 12 V DC conversion; includes universal IEC C8 cord.
Is service support available outside Germany?
Yes—GERBER authorizes certified distributors in North America, EMEA, and APAC regions to provide technical assistance and spare parts (e.g., LED modules, base plates, buttons).
