The food production environment, including equipment for processing food, is known to be a principal source of microbiological contamination. While non-pathogenic bacteria can affect the shelf life and quality of food, pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria can cause severe illness and even death in humans. Traditional methods of hygiene control, such as the use of agar plates, are time-consuming and can take days to return results. ATP methods, while fast, do not directly detect bacteria. CytoQuant® unites the best of both worlds, enabling the immediate and direct quantification of bacteria and residues without being influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of disinfectants.

CytoQuant® relies on impedance flow cytometry, a technology that uses electrical impedance to measure the characteristics of cells and particles. The device pumps a sample taken with a proprietary swab kit through a microfluidic flow cell containing integrated electrodes; this flow cell is called the CountCell™. Cells and particles flowing through the CountCell™ will introduce a change to the electrical current; because of their size, the non-conductivity of their cell membrane and the conductivity of their cytoplasm, bacteria leave a unique fingerprint that distinguishes them from other particles in the sample. Equipped with such precise measurements, food producers can respond appropriately according to their HACCP plan.

Eva Wanzenböck, Managing Director: “With CytoQuant®, Romer Labs is bringing perhaps the most forward-thinking solution to the hygiene control market in years. We were guided by one simple idea: too much is at stake – in terms of consumer safety and company reputation – for food producers to have to wait for days to get vital information about their cleaning and disinfection program. With its unparalleled ability to quantify both bacteria and residues in 30 seconds, CytoQuant® sets new standards in innovation.”

CytoQuant® from Romer Labs brings the power of flow cytometry to the convenience of a hand-held device. CytoQuant® enables the immediate, on-site verification of cleaning procedures in food production facilities or other areas wher hygiene is crucial by directly quantifying bacteria and residues on surfaces. Using impedance flow cytometry, CytoQuant® measures bacteria and residue concentrations on surfaces. Separate, precise counts for each are provided in 30 seconds, without the need for pre-treatment, incubation, or chemical reagents.

CytoQuant® is easy to use and does not require a lab or special training.

CytoQuant®: Features and Benefits

• Direct quantification of bacteria and residues enables proper verification of both cleaning and disinfection procedures (IFS 7.1).
• Results in 30 seconds allow for preventive control and pre-operational actions.
• Measurements are not influenced by disinfectants or temperature reducing result variability.
• Simple test procedure does not require a lab or special training.
• Simple connectivity allows you to save, export and document test results with ease