Tag: TBC

First certificate for FOSS BactoScanTM5

In January 2025, MicroVal granted another certificate, this time for the FOSS BactoScanTM5. The BactoScanTM5 is FOSS’ latest generation fully automated flow cytometry-based instrument dedicated to quantify the Total Bacterial Count (TBC) in raw milk.

Building on the legacy of previous generations, the new innovative BactoScan 5 allows milk testing laboratories to analyze raw milk more efficiently and with an unprecedented level of safety, making it easier than ever before to improve food safety and ensure milk quality. One of the key drivers behind these improvements is a new reagent concept that significantly reduces the amount of operator steps and the time spent on reagent preparation, and also responsibly reduces the use of chemicals, and waste. This means improved productivity and business. For more information: Boost Productivity with BactoScan™ 5 Milk Bacteria Analyzer.

The validation study was conducted by Actalia Cecalait, a MicroVal expert laboratory. Actalia evaluated the instrument according to ISO 16140-2:2016, ISO 16297:2020, and ISO 21187:2021 standards, as well as the criteria defined in the EURL MMP document “Criteria for the validation of instrumental (epifluorescent) methods for the determination of total flora in raw milk” from December 2011. In the second part of the study, the instrument was compared to the already validated certified BactoScanTM FC+. For more information, see the detailed summary report and certificate number 2013LR45).

The certificate and the detailed summary report of this current study, number 2024LR133, are available on our website.

Extension certificates Bentley Instruments BactoCount IBC 3.0 & BactoCount IBCm 3.0 issued

MicroVal certified an extension study for the Bentley Instruments BactoCount IBC 3.0 & BactoCount IBCm 3.0 devices. These devices measure total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC). Initially validated in 2022 for raw cow’s milk, they are now certified for raw goat’s and sheep’s milk as well. Both validation studies were conducted by ACTALIA Cecalait.

The BactoCount IBC 3.0 & BactoCount IBCm 3.0 can offer simultaneous real-time analysis of TBC and SCC in raw milk with a flow cytometer, but in the frame of this validation, TBC and SCC were tested separately. The validation scope covers only the separate use of TBC and SCC.

The extension studies were done according to ISO 16297, ISO 21187, and ISO 16140-2 for TBC and according to ISO 8196-3, ISO 13366-2, and ISO 16140-2 for SCC, using ISO 4833-1 and ISO 133366-1 as reference methods. Results obtained for TBC were also compared with the limits defined in the EU-RL document. The programs used to analyze sheep’s and goat’s milk are the same as for cow milk (ratio milk/reagent, type of reagent, incubation time, and protocol).

Both certificates 2021LR97 and 2021LR98 can be found on our website.